mellybrown

Im just re-writing my resume (again) as im off job hunting tomorrow


Should I list my UK qualifications - and then write that they are the equivalent of...

so i write GCSE (equivalent to high school diploma) and list subjects?

what do I put for a levels then????

and do i bother putting my open uni courses? are they really gonna care im only looking for shop work!!

Sue

I don't know how similar the resume standard is between Canada and the US but there is a terrific page in the wiki about Canadian Resumes where you might find some tips.

I'm sure there are others out there who can give you some first hand tips ..... come on you lot help the lady out.
Sue

robin1234

In general I'd say that the Canadian Resume page is very helpful and would work in the US. However, I would write "GCSE (equivalent to high school diploma)" or similar, as OP suggests. But, don't bother to list subjects. The Canadian Resume page suggests you simply write "High School Diploma [date]" but since British folk don't have HS Diplomas, that is simply not accurate.

NC Penguin

I would lump to GCSEs and A Levels together and name the subjects. Then, write "equivalent to US high school graduation" in similar language in brackets to make it simpler for any Yank perusing the resume.

If the OU courses resulted in you graduating in something, then include them. If not, it's probably best not to bother unless any subjects are directly related to any specific job you may apply for.

chartreuse

Hmm... except last time I talked to a credential evaluator, he said that A Levels were more like an associate's degree (IIRC). Of course, this was some years ago and I took my A levels many, many years ago...

emailrob

That's actually fairly accurate.

For the OP, I would try and speak to a recruiter and ask them how to present themselves.

penguinsix

I would try to avoid the word "equivalency" because in the US 'high school equivalency' generally means the GED test people take if they dropped out of high school or never finished and later went back to catch up. It's just in some circles it is a loaded word so when someone sees 'equivalent' or something like that they think 'ok, why did this person drop out of high school. Prison, single mother, troublemaker?' (note: I've hired GED people and they worked out fine--more dedicated than HS diploma folks--but there are these sorts of question you do find yourself asking).

You could say "GCSE / UK 'high school' diploma" with the quotes indicating it's basically the same though not exactly called that.

Just a thought.