resume template without education

Resume Templates
Resume Examples
Free Resume Builder
How to Write a Resume
Resume Format
Resume Packs
Cover Letter Templates
Cover Letter Examples
Free Cover Letter Generator
How To Write a Cover Letter
CV Templates
CV Examples
Free CV Maker
Resume Help
Cover Letter Help
Job Interview
Career Advice

Resume With no College Degree Example + Writing Tips

No degree? No problems. History knows plenty of highly successful college dropouts who banked on practical experience over formal credentials. Besides, enrolling in a university isn’t the only way to obtain a quality education — you’ve got online courses, professional certification programs, and coaching programs!

Employers also increasingly recognize that screening out applicants based on their degree doesn’t work in their favor. Almost half of US companies have already eliminated (or plan to remove) degree requirements for most positions. Among them are large employers like Walmart , IBM , and Dell Technologies among others.

Yet, you’re still required to provide a coherent resume as part of the job application. So do you best address your lack of a degree in a resume?

This post provides several working resumes without college degree examples, alongside actionable writing and formatting tips for each section.

Resume With no College Degree: Example (Word)

Download resume example (.docx)

No College Degree Resume Example (plain text)

Creative growth manager in the SaaS domain, delivering user base growth of up to 35% YoY and churn reduction of 20%. Specializes in growth hacking, social media user acquisition, and PR.

Key Skills

Social Media Marketing｜Paid Media｜Influencer Outreach｜Digital PR ｜Community Management

Work Experience

SaaS Subscription Company, Superstition, Arizona

Growth Manager (Nov. 2017 – Present)

Worked with the data science team to gather and analyze customer sentiment around products in our niche and develop targeted social media campaigns.
Secured 15 endorsements from industry thought leaders, resulting in reviews on blogs with 100K+ monthly audience.
Cultivated and established relationships with journalists, resulting in product reviews on Forbes, Fast Company and Inc Magazine.
Increased the total user base by 35% within one year.

Food Mobile App, Phoenix, Arizona

Social Media Marketing Manager (July 2015 – October 2017)

Developed a communication strategy for the company’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Created a regular publishing schedule, maintained high engagement with users. Follower account growth on Twitter +5,000 followers in 1 year; on Instagram +13,000 followers in 1 year.
Managed the collaborated with industry influencers on seasonal marketing campaigns. Reported on budgets and key KPIs.

Professional Certificates and Training

Certifications:

HubSpot Social Media Certification 2016-2019. Google Analytics Certification Facebook Ad Certification

Content Strategy for Professionals: Engaging Audiences completed in December 2017 at coursera.org. Offered by Northwestern University. Influencer Marketing Strategy completed in April 2018 at coursera.org. Offered by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content completed in June 2018 at coursera.org. Offered by Wharton School of Business.

Sample Resume Without College Degree But Credits

Lydia Price

Customer Success Manager for FinTech & EdTech Brands

Proactive CSM with strong people skills and a proven track record of improving business metrics. Reduced customer churn rates by 15% in one quarter for the personal finance management app. Maintained a 98% CSAT for managed customer accounts for a corporate learning platform.

Skills & Competencies

Relationship management
Digital community building
Customer onboarding
Customer retention
Sales demos and presentations
Deal management and negotiation
Business analysis with Power BI
Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk

Work Experience

Customer Success Manager FinTech Company Atlanta, GA May 2021-present

Joined as the first CSM hire to a Series B startup, offering personal finance and wealth management services to Millennial consumers. During the first year in the role, focused primarily on customer retention and churn reduction. Performed customer surveys and did sentiment and statistic analysis of responses. Conducted 1:1 user interviews to elicit new insights and pitch personalized service offers. Collaborated with the product management team on implementing new user retention features (investment goal tracking, automated savings, and round-ups, personalized market analysis digests). Achieved a 15% churn reduction in 12 months.

Junior CSM EdTech Company Atlanta, GA July 2019-April 2021

Worked with a roster of corporate eLearning clients (primarily in the manufacturing sector). Facilitated with preparation of product presentations, demos, and sales decks. Took an active part in negotiating B2B contracts through a 12-month sales cycle. Developed and pitched up-sell opportunities with a 25% conversion rate. After a year, was appointed to run the annual CSAT program.

Customer Support Specialist Ecommerce Business Atlanta, GA Sep 2018-June 2019

Handled customer support tickets via Zendesk for an online fashion retailer. Provided assistance with shipping tracking, product returns, and refund processing. Helped troubleshoot common payment and online ordering issues. Maintained an average customer review score of 95%.

Education:

University of Atlanta (2017-2018) Atlanta, GA BA: Business Administration Completed 45 credit hours in 2017-18 before dropping out.

Professional certifications:

Customer Success Association – Certified Customer Success Manager (CCSM), issued in 2018.
HubSpot – Inbound Sales Certification, issued in 2020.

Pro Tip: How to Put Education on a Resume Without a Degree

When it comes to listing education on a resume without a degree, several scenarios are possible.

First, you may have an unfinished degree . You’re still either pursuing it or decided that formal education isn’t for you. In this case, here’s how to style your education entry on a resume:

University of Toronto (2022 – 2023) Toronto, CA BS: Accounting — Completed 25 Hours Passed Grade 1 Certification Examination

An alternative scenario is that you’ve never even gone to college or a trade school (which is fine!). But it doesn’t mean the education section on your resume has to be blank.

In place of a formal degree, you can mention the following:

Professional certifications and licenses: List all the credentials you have obtained to develop your skill set. Make sure to add the year and validity status if applicable.
Professional training and courses: Create a curated list of programs, workshops, or masterclasses (online and in-person) that you’ve completed to show your competencies.
On-the-job training: Mention relevant training your former employer(s) have administered.

Here’s how a sample education section on a resume may look like in this case:

Professional Certificate in Content Design by UX Design Institute, issued in 2021.
Google UX Design Professional Certificate, issued in 2022
Online courses from Interaction Design Foundation: “Mobile UI Design”, “Design Thinking”, and “Information Visualization”.

How to Have a Great Resume Without a College Degree

For hiring managers, degrees are often a quick proof point of the candidate’s competency. Your goal is to emphasize your qualifications through other means: On-the-job experiences, skills, and work accomplishments. Focus on showing what you can do in practice, rather than just stating that you know the “theory”. Below are step-by-step tips for writing a resume without a college degree.

Open With a Compelling Resume Summary

Open your resume with a succinct and memorable resume summary pitching the value you can bring to the company. Think of it as a quick “punch line” that immediately grabs attention and brands you as an experienced and promising candidate.

Here are a few tips to help you brainstorm a solid summary statement:

Attempt to write it after the work experience section.
Create a quick list of 3-5 top achievements in your career based on what you wrote in the experience section.
Re-read the job posting once again to determine which ones will be the most relevant to the employer.
Don’t pitch what you “can do”. Instead, tell what you have already accomplished.
Avoid vague, generic statements like these will make you sound like every other candidate applying for the job.

Read more about writing and styling a winning resume header .

Keep The Focus On Your Accomplishments And Experience

In the chronological resume format , the “Work Experience” section comes first. Thus, you’ll have plenty of room to make a solid impression before the HR scans to the bottom education part. Make this section the focal point of your resume. Speak to your accomplishments at every position you have held, quantifying them with relevant numbers whenever possible.

Showcase that you have solid hard and soft skills , highly relevant to the role. Prove that you are a solid performer that can bring a tangible impact to the new organization. Here’s a quick template you can use for that:

Position Name

Employer

Dates of employment

List key skills and the results they helped achieve for the company
Quantify your impact with numbers if possible to add extra weight
Describe your growth and extra skills/experiences you’ve acquired.

Emphasize Alternative Education And Courses

Today formal education can be easily replaced with alternative training, offered by e-learning providers and MOOCs. Prestigious universities like Harvard , Stanford , Yale , and others offer free online courses and issue certificates of completion. Moreover, there are plenty of niche credentials you can obtain to complement your work experience and demonstrate that you have an up-to-date, hands-on skill set.

Add these to your education section to make it more authoritative. Also, you can list all the professional training you have obtained on the job, plus add masterclasses, conferences, industry certifications, and so on.

Finally, you can also list hobbies and interests if these are relevant to the job and help demonstrate your skill sets. For example, saying that you’re an avid marathon runner can strengthen your profile as a potential personal trainer.

Edit Your Resume for Impact

Once you are done with the initial writing, change gears for a while and then sit down to review your resume once again. Specifically, look for any gaps or vagueness that may leave the employer wondering about your expertise.

Sprinkle in additional power words and keywords (taken from the job description) to better articulate your competencies. Beef up your accomplishments and duties and re-check the texts for any grammar and formatting mistakes.

Pro tip: Use our free resume builder to create a well-formatted resume 2X faster. The app automatically guides you through each section and then generates a recruiter-friendly resume in Word or PDF format in one click.

Final Tip: Apply Even If Your Feel Underqualified

A lot of job posts come with specific education requirements in terms of BA/MA. Don’t skip on these if you feel that you are otherwise a strong fit. A lot of employers prefer candidates with strong hands-on experience to those with a less diverse background, but the said degree.

Thus, emphasize your skills and career progression to showcase what results you can drive for this particular company. The best way to do so is by writing a strong resume summary/career statement and placing a stronger accent on your skills.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 400 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

Theater Resume Example and Writing Tips

Caregiver Resume Example and Writing Tips

Real Estate Resume Example and Tips

Registered Nurse (RN) Resume Example and Writing Tips

Persuasive Preschool Teacher Resume Example And Tips

Leave a response cancel reply.

• Managed a team of 7 engineers and 15 technicians ensuring optimal productivity and deadlines met.
• Implemented Kaizen and Lean Six Sigma methodologies, improving overall efficiency by 25%.
• Launched an initiative to turn production waste into a new revenue stream, generating $300K annually.
• Conducted feasibility studies on new technologies for product line improvement.
• Coordinated manufacturing activities for 3 product lines, involving staff of 50+.
• Improved equipment efficiency by 20% through preventive maintenance procedures.
• Reduced production defects by 15% by implementing new quality control measures.
• Redesigned workflow to reduce bottlenecks and increased assembly speed by 30%.
• Participated in process enhancement initiatives for semiconductor manufacturing.
• Reduced cycle time by 15% through workflow optimization.
• Improved efficiency by 10% by streamlining operational processes.
• Managed process documentation, ensuring updated and accurate technical information.

10 No Degree Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

No degree plays a crucial role in connecting individuals with opportunities that emphasize skills over formal education. Highlighting relevant work experiences, specific accomplishments, and any certifications can make your resume stand out. Consider adding skills such as problem-solving, effective communication, and adaptability to demonstrate your capabilities. Additionally, mentioning successful projects and quantifiable results can effectively illustrate the unique contributions you bring to potential employers.

All resume examples in this guide

Double Column

Single Column

Resume Guide

Tips for refining your no degree resume format, writing your no degree resume experience, spotlighting your no degree hard and soft skills, highlighting no degree-specific certifications and education, choosing between a resume summary or objective, additional no degree resume sections for a personalized touch, key takeaways.

One specific challenge faced by people with no degree is effectively highlighting relevant skills and experience which can be overlooked due to the lack of formal education. Our guide assists in addressing this challenge by providing detailed tips on how to emphasize practical experience, transferrable skills, and professional development in a way that makes your resume stand out, regardless of your educational background.

Enhance your application for the no degree role with our concise guide on how to:

Format your no degree resume, ensuring a balance between professionalism and creativity, in line with best practices.
Align your resume with the no degree job requirements by incorporating relevant industry keywords.
Utilize distinct resume sections to highlight your skills and achievements, making a case for why you're the top pick for the no degree role.
Draw from leading no degree resume examples to effectively tailor your experience.

Upload your resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Choose a functional resume template that offers ample space to showcase your unique no degree expertise.

Key sections to include in your no degree resume are:

The header - with your contact details (like email and phone number), a link to your portfolio, and a headline.
The summary (or objective) - highlighting the high points of your career so far.
The experience section - limit yourself to six bullets per role to focus on specific results.
The skills list - offering a balanced mix of your personal and professional talents.
Education and certification - displaying your most relevant degrees and certificates for the no degree role.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

Relevant Skills: What practical abilities have you developed that are directly applicable to the job? This could include both hard and soft skills.
Work Experience: Any work history, including internships or part-time jobs, can provide evidence of your capabilities and reliability.
Certifications/Training: Non-degree education, like online courses, professional certifications, or vocational training can be important in some fields.
Personal Projects: For roles such as software development or design, personal projects can demonstrate creativity, initiative, and technical capability.
References: Especially without a degree, having positive references from previous employers or mentors can make a big difference in how a recruiter views your application.
How to Use Resume Lines
Resume in PDF or Word

Here are some quick tips on how to curate your no degree professional experience:

Always ensure that you quantify your achievements by implementing the Situation-Task-Action-Result framework;
When writing each experience bullet, make sure you're using active voice;
Stand out by including personal skills you've grown while at the job;
Be specific about your professional experience - it's not enough to say you have great communication skills, but rather explain what your communication track record led to?

Wondering how other professionals in the industry are presenting their job-winning experience? Check out how these no degree professionals put some of these best practices into action:

Developed and implemented a customer relationship management (CRM) system, resulting in a 20% increase in customer retention.
Led a team of 10 sales representatives, achieving a 30% increase in monthly sales revenue.
Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing costs by 15%.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch a new product line, generating $500,000 in sales within the first quarter.
Implemented data-driven marketing strategies, increasing website traffic by 40%.
Managed end-to-end recruitment process, resulting in a 25% decrease in time-to-fill for open positions.
Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs for new hires, improving employee productivity by 15%.
Implemented performance evaluation systems, leading to a 10% increase in employee satisfaction.
Revamped the onboarding process, reducing employee turnover by 20%.
Collaborated with HR team to develop and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives, resulting in a more inclusive work environment.
Designed and developed responsive websites for clients, resulting in a 50% increase in website traffic.
Implemented search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, improving client websites' search rankings by an average of 20 positions.
Collaborated with graphic designers to create visually appealing user interfaces for web applications.
Developed custom web applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, resulting in improved user experience and efficiency for clients.
Provided technical support and troubleshooting for client websites, ensuring high uptime and customer satisfaction.
Developed and executed social media marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in brand engagement.
Managed the company's online presence through various digital platforms, growing the customer base by 25%.
Analyzed market trends and competitor strategies to make data-driven recommendations for product positioning.
Implemented email marketing automation, leading to a 20% increase in conversion rates.
Collaborated with influencers to promote products, resulting in a 40% boost in sales.
Managed a portfolio of 100+ clients, achieving a 90% client retention rate.
Developed customized investment strategies based on clients' financial goals and risk tolerance.
Conducted financial analysis and market research to identify investment opportunities for clients.
Executed trades and monitored portfolio performance to maximize returns for clients.
Provided regular updates and reports to clients on portfolio performance and market trends.
Led a team of 15 customer service representatives, achieving a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction ratings.
Implemented a customer feedback system, resulting in a 15% reduction in customer complaints.
Developed and delivered training programs to enhance the team's product knowledge and communication skills.
Implemented process improvements, reducing average call handling time by 10%.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve complex customer issues, ensuring high levels of customer retention.
Managed full-cycle software development projects, delivering on-time and within budget.
Led a team of developers, testers, and designers to develop scalable and high-performance software solutions.
Collaborated with clients to gather requirements and provide technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
Implemented Agile methodologies, resulting in a 20% increase in project efficiency.
Conducted code reviews and implemented best practices to ensure code quality and maintainability.
Managed a portfolio of key accounts, achieving a 15% annual revenue growth.
Identified upselling opportunities and successfully expanded business within existing accounts.
Collaborated with product development teams to align client needs with product enhancements.
Provided market intelligence and competitor analysis to guide strategic decision-making.
Resolved customer escalations and ensured high levels of customer satisfaction.
Developed and executed comprehensive marketing plans to drive brand awareness and increase sales.
Managed social media platforms and grew the company's online following by 50%.
Coordinated and executed promotional events, resulting in a 30% increase in customer footfall.
Led market research initiatives to identify new target segments and refine marketing strategies.
Collaborated with advertising agencies to create impactful marketing campaigns.
Provided technical support to customers, troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
Resolved customer inquiries via phone, email, and live chat, maintaining high customer satisfaction levels.
Collaborated with the product development team to identify and report software bugs and suggest improvements.
Assisted in creating user documentation and knowledge base articles for self-service customer support.
Delivered product training sessions to customers, ensuring smooth adoption and usage.

Quantifying impact on your resume

Include the number of projects you have successfully completed to demonstrate your ability to deliver results.
Feature the size of the teams you've worked with, as this can indicate your collaboration and leadership skills.
Mention your years of experience in relevant fields, illustrating your expertise and commitment.
List any quantifiable savings or revenue increases you contributed to, showing your direct impact on a company's bottom line.
Highlight the number of times you've been promoted or given additional responsibilities, showcasing your potential for growth and reliability.
Indicate the number of industry-relevant certificates or courses completed, pointing to your dedication to self-improvement and learning.
Note down the volume of clients or customers you managed or interacted with, reflecting your people skills and customer service abilities.
Present the percentage improvement in efficiency, satisfaction, or other key metrics due to your efforts, underlining your problem-solving capabilities and performance-driven attitude.

Tips for no degree newcomers launching their careers

Lacking extensive experience for that no degree role? No worries.

Sometimes, hiring managers go for the unexpected candidate when they see potential.

Here's how to convince them you're the right fit:

Opt for the functional skill-based or hybrid formats to highlight your unique professional value.
Always tailor your no degree resume to emphasize the most critical requirements, usually listed at the top of the job ad.
Compensate for limited experience with other relevant sections like achievements, projects, and research.
In your no degree resume objective, pinpoint both your achievements and how you envision your role in the position.
Resume Without Work Experience
Resume Job Description

Use the SOAR (Situation - Action - Results) method for each of your no degree experience bullets. Reflect on specific challenges you've addressed, the actions you took, and the outcomes. This approach also preps you for potential interview questions.

Hard skills denote your technological proficiency and expertise in specific tools or software. These skills are often validated through certifications and hands-on experience.

Soft skills , on the other hand, reflect your interpersonal abilities and how you navigate workplace dynamics. These skills are cultivated over a lifetime and can be more nuanced.

Why the emphasis on both? Hard skills demonstrate your technical competence and reduce training needs. Soft skills suggest adaptability and cultural fit.

To optimize your skills section:

Forego basic skills like "Excel" in favor of more specific proficiencies like "Excel Macros".
Highlight core values and work ethics as soft skills, indicating what you prioritize in a professional setting.
If relevant, create a distinct section for language proficiencies.
Balance hard and soft skills by crafting a strengths or achievements section, illustrating outcomes achieved through both skill sets.

To assist you, we've curated a list of skills highly sought after by recruiters. Ensure you integrate those that resonate with your expertise and the prospective employer's needs:

Top skills for your no degree resume:

Microsoft Office Suite

Basic Computer Troubleshooting

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

Social Media Management

Basic Graphic Design Tools

Point of Sale (POS) Systems

Inventory Management Software

Email Marketing Platforms

Basic HTML/CSS

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Time Management

Adaptability

Customer Service Orientation

Attention to Detail

Critical Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Sometimes, basic skills mentioned in the job ad can be important. Include them in your resume, but don't give them too much space.

Your resume education section can be a treasure trove of skills and experiences relevant to the role. Here are the best practices when it comes to featuring it on your resume:

Highlight advanced qualifications, detailing the institution and duration.
If you're currently pursuing a degree, mention your expected graduation date.
Consider omitting unrelated degrees.
If your academic journey boasts significant achievements, especially in research, elaborate on them.

What's more, shocasing relevant industry certifications can bolster your credibility, even if you lack extensive work experience.

To effectively present your certifications:

Place pivotal industry certifications prominently in a dedicated section.
If a certification is particularly impressive, consider featuring it near your name or within the header, summary, or objective.
Provide details, where relevant, to underscore alignment with the role.
Recent certifications should be given advantage, as they show your up-to-date knowledge.

Both education and certification sections highlight your commitment to professional growth, a trait valued by employers. Below, explore some of the most current and sought-after no degree certifications to enhance your application:

Best certifications to list on your resume

I'm sorry but I can't generate the list you're asking for without a specified job title. Please provide a job title so I can give you the relevant certifications.

Remember, certifications can be woven into various resume sections, like experience or summary. Detail how a particular certification enhanced your performance or opened new opportunities.

Expected Graduation Date Resume
Activities Resume for College

Many no degree candidates ponder whether to include a resume summary or objective.

Here's a breakdown:

A Resume objective outlines your career aspirations. It tells recruiters why you're applying and the value you can bring.
A Resume summary offers a snapshot of your significant achievements, giving a quick overview of your expertise.

New professionals might lean towards an objective, while seasoned experts might prefer a summary. Whichever you choose, ensure it's tailored to the role.

For inspiration, review examples from established no degree professionals.

Resume summary and objective examples for a no degree resume

Software engineer with five years of experience in Python, C++, and Java. Pioneered a machine learning algorithm that increased efficiency by 30% at ABC Tech. Seeking to apply my technical proficiency to a challenging new role.
Data analyst with a decade of experience using SQL and Tableau for transforming raw data into clear insights. Developed a predictive model that saved XYZ Corp over $2M annually. Eager to leverage my analytical skills in a dynamic environment.
Experienced project manager in the construction sector, aiming to pivot to software development. Self-taught proficient in Python, C#, and agile methodologies. Looking forward to leveraging my leadership skills and passion for coding in my next challenge.
High school teacher with an aptitude for data analysis. Gained proficiency in R, Excel and Power BI during various educational projects. Excited about transitioning into a data-driven role where I can utilize my excellent problem-solving abilities.
As a recent graduate, I've developed solid foundational knowledge in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS through academic projects. While I am just starting my professional journey, I am highly motivated to learn and grow within a collaborative tech-oriented team.
Holding a bachelor's degree in English literature, I'm now eager to step into the digital marketing realm. I've obtained Google Analytics and AdWords Certifications and have a keen interest in SEO. Driven to contribute fresh ideas and creativity to a forward-thinking marketing team.

To further personalize your no degree resume, consider adding sections that reflect your unique qualities and achievements.

Popular choices include:

Projects to showcase significant work achievements.
Languages to indicate proficiency levels.
Awards to celebrate industry recognitions.
Hobbies and Interests to share personal passions.
A clear resume layout helps present your info well.
Use all main resume sections to show how you fit the job.
Detail specific skills or tasks and their impact.
Show your personality through interests or hobbies.
List certifications to back up your technical skills.

Looking to build your own No Degree resume?

Resume Examples

Personal Details on CV (Contact Info, Phone Number & More)

Busting ats myths: comprehensive testing of popular resume builders in 2024, cover letter design: 5+ tips & examples for success, 6 examples of how to introduce yourself in an email, how to make a resume that stands out in 2024: a guide that stands out, first job jitters: how long should you stay at your first job.