how to write academic awards in resume

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

How to List Awards and Achievements on a Resume [+Examples]

Awards and achievements on a resume elevate your CV by showcasing your successes. Including this section will make your resume stand out and ensure you’ll be well ahead of your competition.

The thing is, most job seekers outline their past experiences, responsibilities, and duties in detail — while forgetting to showcase how well they performed. Achievements and awards in a resume fulfill this purpose.

So without further ado, let’s show you how to list awards on resume, describe your academic achievements , and how to put scholarships on your resume to make it stand out.

This guide will show you:

What is the awards and achievements section on your resume?

Why list achievements and awards in your resume, where to list awards and achievements in a resume, how to list awards and achievements on a resume.

• How to put scholarships on resume.
• Awards and achievements examples for different professions.
• Achievements and awards in resume examples.

Find out your resume score!

As the name suggests, awards and achievements on a resume is a separate section where you list relevant honors, achievements, awards, and acknowledgements you earned for going beyond average.

It can include scholarships, competitions, work-related awards, or even promotions to leadership positions in your job.

The name of this section is usually based on the contents of the specific awards or achievements you earned. And, even though these two terms are often used interchangeably, there's a distinction between the two.

So, what's the difference between awards and achievements ? 

• Example: Gold Award for Leadership 
• Example: Exceeded sales goals by 20% by bringing in 50 new clients.

Hence, you can name the section as " Awards ", " Awards and achievements ", " Achievements ", etc. depending on what you want to include.

Finally, you don’t always have to create a separate awards and acknowledgements section for your resume. Instead, you can also incorporate them into your other sections, such as professional summary , education , or work experience . 

But more on that later.

Have you included your awards and achievements in your LinkedIn profile, too? You can easily  turn it into a polished resume with just one click.

• To stand out. The job market is very competitive. Anything that can help you stand out works to your benefit. You're more likely to be invited for an interview if your resume is focused on your achievements, rather than mere responsibilities.
• To distract from lack of relevant work experience. Let’s say you’re a fresh graduate without much past work experience. Any past scholarships, dean’s list mentions, or academic awards can help you secure that internship or entry-level job.
• To highlight your value. As an experienced professional you’ve perhaps contributed to a breakthrough that helped move your industry forward or added to your company’s recent revenue growth. In cases like this, simply listing your responsibilities is playing yourself down.

To demonstrate your skills. Achievements and awards go beyond just showing what you've done — they prove that you did it well. For example, winning an award for a project demonstrates project management, leadership, and other relevant skills.

To show you're committed to your career. A list of professional achievements shows potential employers that you're dedicated to your field and are always striving to improve and excel. This signals that you'll bring a similar level of commitment and enthusiasm to their organization.

Listing achievements like these will surely leave a better impression than heaps of buzzwords and worn-out generic phrases describing your daily duties.

However, keep in mind that your experience and qualifications are the main selling point. So no matter how impressive your achievement section is, it shouldn’t be the main focus of your resume.

There are generally two ways to include your accomplishments in your resume. You can either:

• Distribute them across other parts of your resume. Do this if the award you were given isn't widely recognized within the industry or it's an award/achievement you were given as a part of your job or within the company. Additionally, do this if you want to include less than three awards/achievements. 
• Create a separate section on your resume. Do this if you were awarded for doing something outside of the usual scope of your work, you were recognized by a notable and reputable institution, or you simply want to highlight it. Moreover, create a separate section if you have 3 or more awards/achievements to highlight. 

Regarding the placement of the  Awards and achievements section within your resume, it's really up to you. Though not wrong, people often place it towards the end of the document which can sometimes take away from its importance. 

Hence, consider putting the  Awards and achievements section above the  Work experience section if the achievement is highly notable and you want it in the spotlight. Alternatively, place the section after Work experience . 

HR expert advice

“Sometimes, having a Key Achievements section above Work History is OK, because it helps recruiters to see immediately what your accomplishments are if they are significant. Otherwise, I'd say incorporate achievements in the work descriptions. That's where they’re the most relevant and where the context of your achievements is, so it makes more sense to the reader. But you can also mention anything particularly awesome in your summary. Something like “Award-winning sales person” will immediately catch the attention of recruiters. Then you can mention the specific award/s in the job descriptions.” —   Christy Morgan , Kickresume's Resident HR Expert

Listing your achievements on a resume is always a very effective way of catching employers’ attention. But, how to write the awards section in resume?

You should follow certain rules to ensure you include your accomplishments in an ATS-friendly and professional way. 

Here's how to do that:

• Consider significance.  Only list achievements in a separate section if they’re relevant and notable enough. If they're not, either exclude them completely or use other sections instead.
• Three or more rule . If you only have one or two awards/achievements, it's best to incorporate them into other sections rather than create a separate section. 
• Quantify your achievements. A measured achievement is particularly impressive. Claiming that you “Cut client costs” doesn’t sound as impressive as “Cut client costs by 16 % in 12 months.” Be specific!
• Include the date of recognition. Including the date you earned the award or achieved something is considered the norm. Let an employer know you still have all the skills that earned you the prize.
• Describe the purpose of the award. For example: Earned Clio Music Award 2016 for Use of Music in the Best Ketchup advertisement campaign.
• Mention the scope of the award. Was it a regional, national, or an international award? Are you the only one who received it? What did you have to do to accomplish it?

And what if you got a scholarship?

How to put scholarships on resume

A scholarship is a grant or payment made to support a student's education and is awarded on the basis of an academic or other achievement. Hence, it belongs on a resume!

Here's a few tips on how to list scholarships on a resume:

• Include the name of the scholarship
• The organization that awarded it
• The date it was awarded to you
• Why it was awarded to you or what you did to get it
• (Optional) The dollar amount

You can include your awards or scholarships in several sections of your resume.

Include a scholarship in a separate " Awards and achievements " section on a resume if it was awarded by a reputable organization or there are multiple scholarships, not only one.

On the other hand, if the scholarship is awarded by your university, you should include it in the education section .

However, it's really up to you. You can list your scholarship in either of these two sections and still be correct. For instance, check the sample below.

How to list scholarships on resume example

Awards and achievements examples for different professions

Are you still not quite sure which achievements and awards belong in a resume? Or perhaps you're unsure which awards are obtainable in your industry?

Here’s what kind of awards and accomplishments you can include:

• Grants and scholarships you received (E.g, Vivienne Camp College Scholarship )
• Dean’s list mentions (E.g. Dean's list 2015/6 )
• Graduation distinctions (E.g. Magna Cum Laude )
• Awards for specific activities or subjects (e.g. Fine Art Award )
• High GPA (E.g. 3.6 GPA )
• Maurice Wilkes Award for outstanding contribution to computer architecture
• Software Process Achievement Award for innovative contributions to the field of software quality
• Computer Entrepreneur Award
• Employee of the Year Award
• Sold 600 products per month
• Received a 90% positive customer survey results
• Raised revenue by 15%
• NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence
• Teacher of The Year 2017 award
• Managed to maintain an average exam score above 70% in GG302 course in the last 4 academic years
• Supervised 6 MA theses, and 2 PhD dissertations
• Published over 30 articles in peer-reviewed journals, including Science and Nature
• Batchelor prize f or an outstanding research in fluid dynamics
• Royal Society of Chemistry Award
• My article, "An optical innovation for meteorology at the quantum limit of predictive precision" was published by Nature.com
• Designed a customer site that won a Shopify Ecommerce Design Award in 2020
• Leibowitz Branding & Design Award
• AGDA Best Design Award
• Developed 200+ templates for infographics creation
• Awards like Volunteer of the Year
• Completion of a marathon for charity
• Increasing donations for a charity
• Learning a new programming language

Achievements and awards in resume examples

Since sometimes one picture is worth a thousand words, here are some examples of awards and achievements sections from resumes belonging to real people who got hired by well-known companies like Amazon or Maersk.

These people created their well-crafted resumes by using Kickresume’s Resume Builder . 

 Awards and achievements in resume example #1

Achievements in resume example #3

It goes without saying, but read the job description carefully and ditch anything irrelevant. 

For instance, if you’re a seasoned professional, you should skip your academic achievements and accomplishments.

Additionally, you should only include irrelevant awards and achievements if they’re from very prominent institutions or companies.

Final piece of advice: Awards and achievements on a resume

• Keep it short. Avoid writing long paragraphs and use bullet points instead.
• Prioritize. If you decide to designate an entire section to your achievements, think about which accomplishments are the most significant. Would you be impressed by it if you were a hiring manager?
• Avoid controversy. Some awards and achievements may be too personal or controversial. Avoid listing any political or religious accomplishments.
• Don’t exaggerate. Avoid making something up. You might be asked about your award and accomplishments in your job interview. Or they might contact your references. Lying or exaggerating can cost you a job.
• Mention your biggest accomplishments in your resume summary. If you’re a seasoned professional with many notable achievements, they deserve to be placed at the top of your resume. Impress hiring managers from the get-go.

How to put scholarships on resume?

You should include the name of the scholarship, the organization that awarded it, the date it was awarded, why it was awarded to you, and the dollar amount. You can either include it in the education section or in a separate awards section.

What can I put for awards and achievements on a resume?

In this separate section, you list relevant honors, achievements, awards, and acknowledgements you earned for going beyond average. It can include scholarships, competitions, work-related awards or even promotions to leadership positions in your job.

What type of awards should you put on a resume?

You can include academic awards, industry-related awards, work-related awards, volunteering or personal awards.

What are 3 accomplishments?

An accomplishment should include a verb in the beginning and a numeric value. For instance:

• Boosted quality measures by X%.
• Improved revenue by X%.
• Trained X employees in Z.

How do you put academic achievements on a resume?

When putting each award or achievement on your resume, include the name of the award, the name of the University, the date it was awarded, why it was awarded to you. In regards to academic accomplishments, you should use numeric values to quantify these.

Klára Červeňanská

Klara recently graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she got an opportunity to write full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

Hungry for more?

How to write a professional resume summary [+examples], how to put your education on a resume [+examples], how to describe your work experience on a resume [+examples], let your resume do the work..

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

Use these honors and awards resume examples to land your next job

Jump to section

What’s the honors and awards section of your resume?

3 reasons to list honors and awards on your resume

3 types of awards to put on your resume, where to put honors and awards on a resume, 5 tips for adding honors and awards to your resume, 4 examples of awards and achievements on a resume, land your next big role.

An effective resume needs more than an education and experience section. To stand out from the competition, you must show hiring managers your history of excellent performance.

But creating an eye-catching resume isn’t an easy process. And attracting attention is challenging when other job seekers often hold similar education and work experience. 

When you’re brainstorming things to put on a resume, don’t rule out non-traditional additions. If you performed well in school or a previous role, consider leveraging your achievements in the job application process. It’s a great way to show a track record of success and hard work when you don’t have a lot of professional experience to fall back on.

Whether you’re a recent college graduate looking to land your first role or a seasoned professional navigating a career change, don’t shy away from celebrating your accomplishments. Let’s explore how to integrate these milestones in your application package and honors and awards resume examples for inspiration.

What’s the honors and awards section of your resume? 

The honors and awards section is a resume component designated for past successes. Here, you can list achievements that pertain to the job description of the role you’re applying for. This might include your college GPA, an industry award, or a scholarship you received for higher education.

Past successes show recruiters how well you perform academically and professionally. If you’re a recent graduate, proof of your academic excellence can compensate for your lack of experience and prove you’re a top contender for the role.

Being selected for a job interview for a competitive role can be difficult, whether the position is entry-level, junior, or senior. Here’s why listing honors and awards on an academic resume is beneficial for any role:

Make your resume stand out

Many job seekers only list their responsibilities during their past roles and forget to show proof of their achievements. Don’t save discussing your accomplishments for the job interview — instead, use your awards and achievements to demonstrate your ability to excel.

Compensate for a lack of experience

If you’re a recent graduate with limited work history or have career gaps , listing school awards and academic achievements can compensate for your lack of experience. Achievements show recruiters that despite any holes in your resume, others have commended you for your skills and knowledge.

Highlight your value

Although the previous job titles and education highlight your qualifications, achievements demonstrate your soft skills . Accreditation given by others validates the strengths of your basic professional skillset in any role and highlights your value to potential employers.

The type of awards you should include on your resume depends on the role you’re applying for. If you’re tossing your hat in the ring for a management position, you want to list awards that display your leadership and communication skills . If you’re applying for a technical assistant job, you should choose achievements that illustrate your industry-specific knowledge and capabilities.

Here are three types of awards and examples of each you can adapt for your resume:

Academic honors

Academic awards display your commitment and the quality of your work. They illustrate your ambition to surpass what’s required and compete with the best of your peers. They may include:

High school honor society

SAT exam results

Scholarships

Dean’s list

Departmental awards

Fellowships

Grants 

Degree-specific honors

Cum laude distinctions 

Professional honors

Professional honors range from internal company awards to industry-wide achievements. These awards show you’re an asset in a work environment and the industry at large. Professional awards may include:

Employee of the month awards

Leadership awards

Industry awards

Association awards

Acknowledgment in a trade publication

Military honors

You may have received awards for leadership and dedication if you’ve worked for the military. Although your service may feel unrelated to the position you’re applying for, you’ve likely gained transferable skills that will impress a hiring manager. Possible honors include:

Personal decorations

Military academy awards

Service awards

When determining the placement of awards and achievements on your resume, consider what you’d like to accomplish. If the section includes widely recognized achievements you want to put a spotlight on, consider placing it near the top of your resume, before work experience. If the section is small or niche, you may choose to put it toward the bottom of the page.

Aside from the location, you can list accomplishments on your resume in two ways:

Creating a separate honors and awards section: Use a separate awards section on your resume if you have three or more notable distinctions. A specific section for achievements calls attention to your performance and gives you space to list awards that fall outside the scope of your education or previous jobs, such as community or volunteer distinctions. 

Distributing honors and awards across your resume: If you have less than three distinctions, you may decide to mix the awards among relevant experiences. For example, if an award relates to an educational experience, you can list the achievement under the institution in the “Education” section of your resume. 

Take additional steps to make each distinction more informative to the recruiter. Use these five pointers to make your honors and awards sound impressive and credible when building your resume:

1. Mention the purpose of the award

Describing the purpose of the award adds context for those who are unfamiliar with the distinction. It also emphasizes the specific attributes that contributed to you earning the award. 

For example: “Earned Excellence in Engineering Award 2020 for leading a team of four engineers in developing the best-performing robot.” 

This description states the name of the award and spells out the skills in leadership and engineering skills that earned the prize. 

2. Only choose the most significant awards

More isn’t always better. Mentioning minor awards can detract from the importance of your significant ones. When determining which honors you should list, consider whether they pertain to the particular role you’re applying for by displaying relevant skills . 

If you’re unsure of the significance of your awards, you can distribute them throughout your resume instead of placing them in their own section. 

3. Include the date the distinction was granted

You should always add the date you earned an award or achievement. The date makes the award appear relevant and shows employers that your skillset is up-to-date.

4. Use measured achievements

Quantified achievements impress hiring managers. When possible, clarify the value and time frame of your accomplishment. 

For example: “Increased company sales by 10% in 6 months.” 

Numbers make achievements easier to visualize and your claims more credible. 

5. Show your consistency

Showing that you’re a consistent high-performer is imperative on a professional resume. Awards that are time sensitive, such as repeated “Employee of the Month” distinctions or appearances on the Dean’s list, show you’re persistent. 

On the other hand, if you’ve only received these distinctions once or twice, they may make your performance appear inconsistent. Make sure to include awards that prove your ability to do well long-term. 

Adding honors to your resume doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process. Use the following examples as inspiration when creating your next resume :

Example 1: awards section

Write out each distinction in an ordered list under a separate awards section. To make the honors a focal point of your resume, use concise bullet points.

How to format awards 

• Excellence in Leadership Award 2022 from XYZ organization
• Top Sales Award 2020 at XYZ company 
• Employee of the Month Award at XYZ company, January 2018 

Example 2: awards and achievements combined

To draw attention to both your awards and quantifiable achievements, create a section for both. Use a similar format for each bullet point so the section remains visually cohesive and easy to read. 

How to format awards and achievements

• Drove a 20% increase in sales revenue in 12 months at XYZ company
• Best Resolution Award, Model United Nations, 2018
• Dean’s list and GPA 4.0, Harvard University, 2017

Example 3: education with awards

If you have less than three achievements and adequate work experience, it’s reasonable to list awards within your “Education” section. Including your college awards and honor examples on your resume with your credentials communicates your expertise and education all at once.

How to format awards with education:

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA — Bachelor of Arts, Classics

GPA 3.7, Dean’s List

Example 4: awards with experience

Similar to the education example, you can list awards and achievements in your job experience section. This saves space when you have a lot of work experience.

How to format awards with experience

Sales Associate at XYZ company

Employee of the Month January, February, and March 2020

Building a great resume takes time. Most hiring managers decide whether or not a resume makes it to the next round quickly, so you need to make a solid first impression . 

In competitive job markets, listing examples of honors and awards on your resume is a simple but effective way to stand out from the crowd. Remember to weigh the significance of your achievements and only include those relevant to the role you’re applying for. With a concise and competitive list, you’ll be fielding interview requests in no time.

Invest in your career

Get your promotion. Make your career change. Build the future you dream about. And do it faster with a world-class BetterUp Coach by your side.

Allaya Cooks-Campbell

With over 15 years of content experience, Allaya Cooks Campbell has written for outlets such as ScaryMommy, HRzone, and HuffPost. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. Allaya is passionate about whole-person wellness, yoga, and mental health.

Asking for a salary range: How to start the conversation

Worried about your job in a recession how to protect yourself, 7 tips to make your resume stand out and get that job, 10 high-paying entry-level jobs with no experience, a guide on how to pick a new career, why salary negotiation is the next skill you need to master, learn how to reject an internship offer like a pro, should i stay, or should i go an overview of job-hopping syndrome, tips for how to write a linkedin summary and examples, similar articles, 12 resume career objective examples and tips for writing one, magna cum laude versus summa cum laude: what’s the difference, virtual job shadowing: sneaking a peek at your dream job, use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, gpa on a resume: when and how to include it, add your expected graduation date to your resume: how to, functional resume: what is it & how to write one (with examples), cv versus resume demystify the differences once and for all, 10 personal achievements examples that can inspire yours, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

• Career Blog

Awards and Honors on Your Resume: Complete Guide for 2024

As a job seeker, your resume is your gateway to your dream job. When it comes to standing out against other job applicants, one of the most effective ways to set yourself apart is by showcasing any awards and honors you have received in your professional and personal life. Hiring managers and recruiters pay close attention to this section of resumes, as it indicates that you are dedicated, skilled, and deserving of recognition.

Importance of Awards and Honors on Resume

There are several reasons why including awards and honors on your resume is crucial to your job search success. Firstly, it helps recruiters and hiring managers understand your unique strengths and accomplishments. Secondly, it shows that you have a track record of success and are a high achiever. Lastly, it sets you apart from other candidates who may not have been recognized for their contributions in their field or industry.

Objectives of the Article

The objective of this comprehensive guide is to provide job seekers with a complete understanding of how to strategically include awards and honors on their resume. This article will cover topics such as:

• The types of awards and honors to include
• How to prioritize awards and honors based on relevance and impact
• Where to place awards and honors on your resume
• How to write about awards and honors in a way that highlights your achievements
• Examples of effective and impactful awards and honors to use on your resume

By following the guidance provided in this article, job seekers can take their resumes to the next level and stand out in a highly competitive job market.

Types of Award and Honors

When it comes to showcasing your accomplishments on your resume, one of the most effective ways is to list your awards and honors. To help you get started, let’s take a closer look at the different types of awards and honors you can include.

A. Professional Awards

Professional awards recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in their field. These awards can be presented by professional organizations, industry associations, or even government agencies. Examples of professional awards include:

• Best Salesperson of the Year
• Top Lawyer in the Country
• PR Campaign of the Year

Being recognized as a top performer in your industry can be a powerful addition to your resume.

B. Academic Awards

Academic awards recognize outstanding achievement in the classroom or in academic research. These awards can be presented at the high school, college, or graduate level. Examples of academic awards include:

• Valedictorian of the Class
• National Merit Scholar
• Outstanding Dissertation Award

Academic awards demonstrate your ability to excel in a rigorous and challenging environment.

C. Industry-Specific Awards

Industry-specific awards recognize excellence in a particular sector. These awards can be presented by trade organizations or industry publications. Examples of industry-specific awards include:

• Top Chef of the Year
• Best Real Estate Agent in the City
• Best Technology Start-Up of the Year

Industry-specific awards demonstrate your expertise in a particular field and can be highly valued by potential employers.

D. Certifications

Certifications are professional credentials that demonstrate your expertise in a particular area. These credentials can be earned through educational programs, professional associations, or vendor certifications. Examples of certifications include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certifications can be a powerful addition to your resume, as they demonstrate your credibility and expertise in a particular field.

E. Honors and Achievements

Honors and achievements can include any recognition you’ve received throughout your career, outside of specific awards or certifications. This could include things like:

• Being published in a prestigious academic journal
• Serving on a board of directors
• Completing a marathon or other athletic achievement

Including honors and achievements on your resume is a great way to showcase your well-roundedness and demonstrate your ability to excel in multiple areas.

When it comes to listing your awards and honors on your resume, be sure to provide specific details about the award or honor and the criteria that were used to determine the recipient. Use strong action verbs to highlight your achievements and quantify them where possible. By doing so, you can make your resume stand out and demonstrate your ability to achieve excellence in your field.

Benefits of Including Awards and Honors on Your Resume

Including awards and honors on your resume can be hugely beneficial for standing out from the crowd and demonstrating your credibility as a professional. Here are five specific benefits to consider:

A. Demonstrate Credibility

Awards and honors received are hard evidence of your professional achievements that show a potential employer what you have accomplished. These accolades demonstrate that you stand out from your competition and have the skills and experience to succeed in a specific role. Trust in our credibility plays an essential role in securing a job or new business opportunity, and including awards and honors on your resume can provide concrete proof of your capabilities.

B. Highlight Skills and Competencies

The awards and honors you have received can also demonstrate your proficiency in specific areas of work, providing you with an excellent opportunity to showcase the skills and competencies that set you apart from other candidates. For example, if you have won an award to acknowledge your communication and interpersonal skill, it suggests that you are an excellent communicator and work well with others.

C. Showcase Accomplishments

Adding awards and honors to your resume will showcase your accomplishments beyond your professional achievements. It highlights that there are distinctive facets of work, those beyond job responsibilities, where you have excelled. Achievements demonstrate that you are not an average in terms of potential, skills, and capability. This is a great piece of information to put in front of a potential employer, and it will allow them to see your qualifications and accomplishments at a higher level.

D. Increase Visibility and Attract Attention

By highlighting awards and honors on your resume, you will increase your visibility to potential employers. These accolades signify recognition by reputable brands or organizations, and their inclusion can lead to more attention being paid to your application—potentially increasing your chances of being shortlisted for interviews. Moreover, these distinctions like to get published, so if you have received a mention in a renowned magazine or news article, it is worth including that information on your resume.

E. Differentiate from Competitors

When you have the same educational and work history as your competition, it can be challenging to distinguish yourself. Including awards and accolades can be an excellent way to set yourself apart from other candidates by showing what you’ve done that others haven’t. A highly accomplished list of awards and honors could be the difference between being shortlisted or bounced from the list.

Awards and honors provide a convenient way to differentiate your background from other candidates and showcase your skills and capabilities. By adding these distinctions to your resume, you can enhance your credibility, highlight your accomplishments, attract positive attention, and ultimately stand out from your competitors. By leveraging your achievements, accolades and strengthening your abilities on your resume, you can convince recruiters and hiring managers that you are the best candidate for the job.

How to Choose Which Awards and Honors to Include

When it comes to highlighting your awards and honors on your resume, it’s important to include only the most relevant, recent, prestigious, and significant ones that will resonate with your intended audience. Here are some tips on how to choose which awards and honors to include:

A. Relevance

The first criterion to consider is relevance. Ask yourself whether the award or honor is relevant to the position or industry you’re targeting. If it’s not directly related, it may not add much value to your resume. However, if it demonstrates a transferable skill or achievement that can be applied to your target job, then it may be worth mentioning.

For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role and you won a science fair in high school, that’s probably not relevant. However, if you won a marketing competition in college or a regional award for a marketing campaign, that could be relevant and impressive.

Another factor to consider is recency. Awards and honors that are recent are more impressive than those that are old and outdated. If you’ve won something in the last year or two, that’s a good indication of your current abilities and achievements. On the other hand, if you won something 10 years ago, it may not hold as much weight.

That being said, if you have an award that’s particularly prestigious or significant, it may still be worth including even if it’s not recent.

C. Prestige

The prestige of the award or honor is another crucial factor to consider. Some awards carry more weight than others in certain industries or communities. For example, winning a Pulitzer Prize or Nobel Prize is a significant achievement that can elevate your profile in academia, journalism, or literature. Similarly, being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 or a TED Fellow can open doors and solidify your reputation in business, technology, or public speaking.

However, not all prestigious awards are relevant or recognized in every context. Make sure you research the award or honor and its significance in your target industry or region before including it on your resume.

D. Significance

In addition to prestige, the significance of the award or honor is an important consideration. Ask yourself what impact it had on your personal or professional development, and whether it reflects your strengths or accomplishments in a meaningful way. For example, winning an award for volunteerism or community service can demonstrate your empathy, leadership, and social responsibility.

Similarly, being recognized for achievement in a specific area of expertise or field can showcase your skillset and knowledge. Just make sure it’s relevant to your target job or industry, and not too obscure or niche.

E. Audience

Finally, consider your intended audience when deciding which awards and honors to include. Different positions and employers may value different types of recognition, so tailor your choices accordingly.

How to Add Awards and Honors on Your Resume

Adding awards and honors on your resume can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your achievements and accolades. Here are some tips on how to effectively showcase these recognitions:

A. Placement

The placement of awards and honors on your resume depends on their relevance and importance to the job you are applying for. If the award or honor is relevant to the job, it should be placed prominently on your resume. If it is less relevant, it can be included in a separate section or towards the end of your resume.

B. Formatting

Make sure to use consistent formatting when listing awards and honors on your resume. Use bold or italics to differentiate them from the rest of your experiences. Include the name of the award, the organization or institution that presented it, and the date it was received. If there is a brief description or reason for the recognition, include that as well.

C. Structure

Consider creating a separate section on your resume specifically for awards and honors. This allows you to showcase your achievements in a clear and concise way. Alternatively, you can incorporate them into your relevant experiences and skills, especially if the award or honor is related to a particular job or skill.

D. Language

When describing your awards and honors, choose descriptive and action-oriented language. Use active verbs and quantifiable terms to emphasize the impact of your achievements. Focus on what you accomplished and how it contributed to the success of the project, team, or organization.

E. Specific Examples

Here are some examples of how to effectively showcase your awards and honors on your resume:

• “Recipient of the 2019 Sales Rep of the Year Award from XYZ Corporation for achieving 152% of annual sales target, resulting in $1.5 million in revenue”
• “Recognized as a Top Performer in Customer Service by ABC Company for consistently exceeding customer satisfaction goals by an average of 20%”
• “Selected as a Finalist for the 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award by DEF Foundation for innovative business model and successful launch of start-up”

Adding awards and honors to your resume can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your value as a candidate. By following these tips and showcasing your achievements in a clear and impactful way, you can stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

How to Showcase Awards and Honors in Resume Sections

Awards and honors are great ways to stand out from other job applicants and showcase your achievements. It is important to include them in your resume to make a strong impression on potential employers. Here are the different sections of a resume where you can showcase your awards and honors:

A. Education Section

Your education section is a great place to showcase your academic achievements, such as scholarships or academic awards. To highlight these accolades, include the name of the award, the year it was granted, and the institution that recognized you for your achievement.

Bachelor of Science in Biology   XYZ University

• Dean’s List, Fall 2018
• National Merit Scholarship, 2016-2020
• Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Inducted Spring 2020

B. Work Experience Section

In your work experience section, you can showcase your awards and honors that are relevant to your past or current job. This could include recognition for outstanding performance, safety records, or customer service awards. For each accomplishment, include the specific award or recognition, the year it was received, the company that granted it, and a brief description of the accomplishment that led to the award.

Sales Associate   ABC Corporation

• Consistently exceeded sales goals, awarded Top Salesperson of the Month six times between 2019-2020
• Received Customer Service Excellence Award in 2018 for achieving a 98% customer satisfaction rating
• 100% Attendance Award in 2017 for no absences or tardiness despite challenging weather conditions

C. Professional Memberships and Affiliations Section

If you are a member of any professional associations or organizations, you may have received awards or recognition for your involvement. In this section, include any awards or honors you received for your professional involvement, such as board positions, committee appointments, or volunteer work. For each recognition, include the name of the award, the year it was granted, and the organization that recognized you.

Member, American Marketing Association   2016-present

• Appointed to Membership Committee in 2018
• Received the Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2019 for exceptional contributions to the organization’s events

D. Skills Section

You can also include any awards or recognition related to your skills in this section. If you have received specific certifications or awards for your proficiency in a particular skill, make sure to include them. For each recognition, include the name of the award, the year it was granted, and a brief description of the accomplishment that led to the award.

Certifications

• Microsoft Office Specialist, 2019
• Google Analytics Certified, 2018
• Received the HackerRank Gold Badge for proficiency in Python programming, 2017

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Awards and Honors to Your Resume

Crafting an impressive resume is key when you are seeking new employment, and adding awards and honors can strengthen your candidacy. However, certain mistakes can detract from your accomplishments, causing your resume to miss the mark. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when adding awards and honors to your resume.

A. Overcrowding

Listing every award and honor you have ever received can lead to an overcrowded, cluttered resume. Hiring managers may miss the significance of your achievements if they are buried among a sea of other accolades. As such, it is important to prioritize and only include those that are most relevant to the position for which you are applying.

B. Lack of Context

While it is essential to highlight your achievements, it is equally important to provide context. Hiring managers may not be familiar with the awards or honors that you have received, so without context, it may not carry as much weight. Be sure to explain the significance of the award, the criteria for selection, and the level of competition.

C. Falsification

In an attempt to stand out, some job seekers may be tempted to fabricate awards or honors. This is a grave mistake that can lead to disqualification or even termination. Be honest and transparent about your accomplishments, and only list awards that are genuine and verifiable.

D. Including Unrelated or Insignificant Awards

It is important to tailor your resume to the position you are applying for. Listing unrelated or insignificant awards can detract from your candidacy and dilute the significance of your accomplishments. Only include awards that are relevant to the job and demonstrate your potential to excel.

E. Ignoring Aesthetic Impact

In addition to the content of your resume, the aesthetic impact is crucial in making a positive impression. Choosing the right format, font, and layout can make your resume look more polished and professional. Avoid using too many colors or fonts, and keep the design simple yet visually appealing.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can better showcase your achievements, strengthen your candidacy, and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Congratulations on your awards and honors! As a copywriter and subject matter expert, you may have received several awards and honors during high school, college, or even in your career. Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you decide how to showcase your accomplishment on your resume.

A. Can You List Awards and Honors You Received During High School or College?

Yes, you can list awards and honors received during high school or college. It is a great way to demonstrate your achievements early in your academic career. However, keep in mind that as you progress in your career, your recent accomplishments will be more relevant to your job search.

B. Can You Still Include an Award or Honor If It is Not Relevant to Your Current Job Search?

Yes, you can still include an award or honor on your resume, even if it is not directly relevant to your current job search. It shows that you have a track record of excellence, achievement, and recognition. However, if you have a limited space on your resume, prioritize the awards and honors that are more relevant to your current industry and position.

C. How Many Awards and Honors Should You Include on Your Resume?

Including awards and honors on your resume is subjective and dependent on your career progression. A general rule is to include no more than 4-5 recent and relevant awards and honors on your resume. However, if you are a recent graduate, it’s okay to list more to showcase your achievements and qualifications.

D. Do Honorable Mentions and Minor Awards Count?

Absolutely! An honorable mention or minor award may not have the same level of recognition as a major award, but it still demonstrates your hard work and dedication. Include it on your resume.

E. Should You Delete Old Awards and Honors to Keep Your Resume Current?

If you have limited space on your resume, prioritize the most recent and relevant awards and honors. However, there is no need to delete old awards and honors entirely. Instead, summarize them under a section for “Other Awards and Honors.” This way, you can still demonstrate your ability to achieve excellence and recognition throughout your career.

Awards and honors are great additions to your resume. They showcase your hard work, dedication, and achievements. However, be sure to tailor your resume to your current job search needs and favor the most recent and relevant awards and honors you’ve received. Congratulations again on your well-deserved recognition!

Examples of Awards and Honors on Resumes

When it comes to building a strong resume, highlighting your awards and honors can help you stand out from the competition. In this section, we’ll cover some examples of different types of awards and honors you can include on your resume.

A. Academic

Academic awards and honors are a great way to demonstrate your dedication and achievements in your studies. Examples of academic awards and honors you can include on your resume include:

• Dean’s List
• Phi Beta Kappa (for liberal arts and sciences)
• National Honor Society (for high school students)
• Top GPA in your class or major
• Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude (for college graduates)
• Academic scholarships or grants

B. Professional

Professional awards and honors can show potential employers that you are a skilled and accomplished employee. Examples of professional awards and honors you can include on your resume include:

• Employee of the Month/Year
• Sales or performance awards
• Certifications, licenses, or other professional designations
• Industry-specific awards (see section C)
• Peer-reviewed publications or presentations
• Speaking engagements at industry events or conferences

C. Industry-Specific

Industry-specific awards and honors can demonstrate your expertise and knowledge within your specific field. Examples of industry-specific awards and honors you can include on your resume include:

• Design awards (for graphic designers, architects, etc.)
• Technical awards (for engineers, IT professionals, etc.)
• Writer/Author awards (for journalists, authors, etc.)
• Medical awards (for doctors, nurses, etc.)
• Legal awards (for lawyers, judges, etc.)
• Sales awards (for salespeople in specific industries)

D. Non-Profit

Non-profit awards and honors can show potential employers that you are committed to giving back to your community. Examples of non-profit awards and honors you can include on your resume include:

• Volunteer of the Year
• Board of Directors awards or recognition
• Fundraising awards
• Community service recognition
• Awards from non-profit organizations or charities

E. Accomplishments

Finally, it’s important to remember that awards and honors are just one way to demonstrate your accomplishments on your resume. Other accomplishments you can include on your resume include:

• Projects you’ve completed on time and under budget
• Successful sales records or deals closed
• Awards for leadership or teamwork
• Promotions or advancements within the company
• Positive customer feedback or testimonials

Incorporating awards, honors, and other accomplishments onto your resume can help set you apart from other job candidates and showcase your unique strengths and skills. Make sure to highlight these achievements in a clear and concise manner, and tailor them to the position you’re applying for.

Related Articles

• New Teacher Resume: Entry Level Sample for 2023
• C-Level Executive Resume: Best Performing Examples for 2023
• Writing a Compelling Resume Objective: Tips and Examples
• Production Worker Resume: The Ultimate Writing Guide
• Management Analyst Resume: Winning Examples for 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to List Awards on Your...

How to List Awards on Your Resume and Wow Recruiters

8 min read · Updated on August 25, 2022

And the winner is…*drum roll*... YOU!

Have you prepared your speech? Winning any type of award is flattering. Whether you've been recognized for your contributions at work or have entered a competition, you may want to shout about your accolades. So, how do you list these awards on your resume?

Recruiters spend around seven seconds looking at each resume that lands on their desk (or in their inbox!). That's not a whole load of time to make the right impression on them and win an interview. If you want to catch their eye, you need to use everything in your arsenal. That's why it's important to include complimentary awards on your resume.

Believe it or not, there's a right and wrong way to include awards on your resume. Looking for a new job at the moment? In this short guide, we will go over everything you need to know: from what type of awards to include to where you need to place them.

Which awards should you include on your resume?

Before you get started, you're going to need to know which awards to list on your resume. Spoiler alert: a hiring manager is unlikely to be all that interested in your high school swimming award…unless, of course, you're applying to be a swimming teacher. Understanding which types of awards are appropriate for your resume is your first step toward success. 

If you're unsure where to start, you've come to the right place. Luckily, we've got you covered. Here's a quick breakdown of the types of awards you should include:

Industry-specific awards

Are there any awards that are specific to your industry? The fact that you've won this type of award shows a hiring manager that you are recognized in the wider field. Often seen as more prestigious than company awards, these honors show you're known in the sector.

When listing these awards, be sure to include the body, the title, and the year that you won. If you want to add some extra clout to your application, you can include how many nominees were in the running. For example, you could say “out of 100 other candidates.”

Academic awards

When writing your resume, your education section is absolutely vital. Think back, did you win any academic awards that will set you apart from the crowd? Don't be shy about tooting your own horn. Since the majority of candidates will have the same educational background, these awards could be crucial in landing you the interview . 

These types of awards are particularly useful when it comes to entry-level resumes. If you don't have a whole load of industry experience, you can use your academic accolades to bolster your application. Be sure to include the title and the year that you achieved them. Here are some of the academic achievements you may want to include on your resume: 

Department-based awards 

Best in class awards 

Scholarships 

Research projects 

Dean's list and/or honor roll 

Class President 

Other class-based titles

While there's a broad variety of education awards you can include, you should consider what each tells a hiring manager about you. For instance, if you were class president, chances are that you have great people skills and are a natural-born leader. That's a formidable combination if they are looking for a salesperson or manager. 

Company awards 

If you've excelled in a role, your company may recognize that with an award. It should come as no surprise that these accomplishments can enhance your resume. Of course, each business will have a different set of awards on offer for employees. However, some of the common ones you may see include the following: 

Employee of the month and/or year 

Top performer awards

Leadership awards 

Peer-based awards 

Company awards show that you have been a valuable asset to the business. That's good news in the eyes of any hiring manager. When you're listing these awards on your resume, be as specific as possible. For example, you shouldn't merely write “Employee of the Month.” Instead, get in there with the details and put “Employee of the Month, April 2022.”

Extracurricular awards

Have you won an award outside of the workplace or classroom? You may be part of a society, have joined a specialist club, or have excelled in your hobbies. Extracurricular awards can add weight to your resume. However, you should think about whether they are appropriate to include on your application and what they say about you as a professional. Let's take a look at some of the extracurricular awards you may want to highlight: 

Volunteering or charity awards 

Arts and culture-based awards

Military honors and awards 

Athletic or sports team awards 

Society or community awards 

Before you put your awards on your resume, take a moment to think about whether they are appropriate. For instance, if you are applying to work for a charity and have previously won a community development award, that fits well. On the other hand, if you are an illustrator and have an arts award under your belt, that's going to put you in good stead. 

Where should you include awards on your resume?

Now that you understand what type of awards you need to include on your resume, let's talk about where to put them. There are three main areas where you can list awards on your resume: your education section, your employment section, or a dedicated awards section. Which area you choose will depend on the type of award you're listing. If you're stumped, don't worry. 

Here's a quick breakdown of each option: 

Education section 

If you've received an academic award, the most obvious place to put it is in your education section . You should ensure that the placement aligns with when you received the award. For example, if you were class president in the academic year 2017-18, add the award under that period.

Example: 

Marketing and Communications, Bachelor of Arts

University of Florida, Florida 2016-2019

Dean's List and Honors Roll 

Most of the time, you can simply add your award under the main information about the qualification. You may want to use a bullet-pointed format or just place it on a line beneath. 

Employment section 

When listing either company or industry-specific awards, chances are they will fit best in the employment section. Once again, you can put these below your position, company, and years of employment. If you won an industry award while working for a certain business, it might be logical to include it here. Check out our example below. 

Example 

Sales Manager, Dancewear Inc., Iowa City  

Jan 2020 - Jun 2022

Regional Salesperson of the Year 2021

As you can see here, you don't have to include loads of detail when listing awards on your resume. However, you do have to get the basics right. That means including the date you achieved the award and other minor details. The more specific you are, the better. 

Dedicated awards section 

Are you a real go-getter? Are you more decorated than the world's biggest athletes? If you're a serial award-winner, you might want to create a dedicated area on your resume. The usual placement for this is below your education section at the bottom of the page. 

Awards & Achievements 

Top Performing Salesperson of the Year 2021

Iowa Region Sales Star 2020

Listed in “Top 10 Sales Professionals to Watch”

Should you choose to include your awards in this way, ensure that they are in the same realm. There's very little merit in listing a bunch of unrelated awards. Be selective when it comes to the achievements that you decide to include on your professional resume. 

Important things to remember when listing awards 

Ready to put pen to paper and spruce up your resume? If you've missed any awards off your resume up until now, you may find that they give you the competitive edge. Before you get started, there are some final things that you may want to keep in mind: 

Quantify your awards, wherever possible

Always include the date you earned the award 

Consider whether the award fits your profession

If applicable, note the body that gave the award

The takeaway 

Awards can help you grab a hiring manager's attention — and keep it —  for all the right reasons. As we have covered here, there are plenty of places where you can list your awards on your resume. Now you know what to do, it's time to include your achievements.

Looking to land your dream job? The first thing you need to do is get your resume up to speed. Check out our expert resume writing services and set yourself apart from the crowd. We match professionals with the perfect writer for their needs.   

Recommended Reading 

How to Check if My Resume is ATS Friendly

9 Soft Skills Employers are Looking For in 2022

Is Your Resume Inspirational? If Not, Here's How to Fix It

10 High-Income Skills Companies Need in 2022

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

How to List Academic Achievements on a Resume (3 Examples)

Writing a resume can be really challenging for a new job seeker because there are a lot of conflicting rules and advice floating around online — such as how to list academic achievements on a resume.

There are many popular rules when it comes to writing a resume, such as maintaining a one-page maximum or the right way to format a resume, but these rules are changeable depending on your familiarity with resume writing.

The more confident you are at resume writing, the easier it is to break resume writing rules. For better or for worse, there are no definitively correct rules when it comes to how to write academic achievements in a resume.

However, there are several things you should know about how to include your academic achievements on your resume that will help you create a resume that will actually get you hired — and looking at three resume examples of academic achievements is the perfect way to start!

Keep reading for three examples of academic achievements on a resume, the actual definition of an academic achievement and five academic achievement guidelines for resume writing that will help you get a job fast.

3 Examples of Academic Achievements on a Resume

Resume academic achievements example 1: traditional resume format.

Jane Smith is applying for a Space Canada camp counsellor position. She used her advanced mathematics skills and extracurricular interest in space and astronomy in her academic achievements on her resume to increase her chances of getting hired.

Resume Academic Achievements Example 2: Stars Resume Template

Jane Smith is applying for a Research Assistant position for the Introduction to Psychology 101 course at her local university. She used her status as a published author in a psychology journal and her work experience in the psychology department in her academic achievements on her resume to get hired.

Resume Academic Achievements Example 3: Manhatten Resume Template

What Is An Academic Achievement?

An academic achievement is any accomplishment you’ve made during your time in school, whether that’s in high school, college, university, post-secondary certification, or beyond.

This could include anything from your test scores to awards to scholarships to being asked to lead a research study. It could literally be any experience or accomplishment that you’re proud of that’s associated with school or your education.

However, your resume shouldn’t just be a list of everything you’ve ever achieved during your time at school.

When you’re narrowing down what types of achievements to put on a resume, remember that they should be relevant to your professional life.

That is, the academic achievements you choose to list on your resume should work towards convincing the hiring manager that you’re worth hiring.

How to List Academic Achievements in a Resume

While there are no definitive rules for how to write academic achievements in a resume, there are general guidelines that most job seekers stick to when they add achievements in a resume.  

These resume writing guidelines ensure that a hiring manager can easily read and understand why your academic achievements on your resume should matter to them.

Here are five guidelines to how to list academic achievements on a resume:

1. Consistent, Traditional Formatting

Your academic achievements should be formatted to be consistent with the rest of your resume.

When the formatting of a resume is inconsistent, it’s difficult to read, which defeats the purpose of a resume. The goal is to have a hiring manager read and appreciate the skills and abilities you have.

You might be surprised how often I see resumes with mish-mashed fonts, uneven borders, mismatched colors, and different text sizes. Needless to say, these resumes are frustrating to read, which is probably the last emotion you want to evoke in a potential employer.  

It’s really important that your resume looks professional; which, for most job seekers, this means simple and traditional. That means that you should use a simple font like Times New Roman or Helvetica in the font size 11 to 16, depending on the type of text (heading or paragraph text).

If you’ve never written a resume before, I would recommend that you stick to a traditional style resume template using an online resume maker to help you avoid formatting errors and create a resume that you and an employer can read through quickly and easily without getting confused.

2. Easy to Read

Your academic achievements, like the rest of your resume, should be clear and easy to read so that an employer can skim over the most important parts of your resume right away.

Studies show that hiring managers only devote a few seconds to a few minutes to reading the vast majority of resumes, so your academic achievements should be a breeze to read over.

Hiring managers should be able to understand the most important academic achievements on your resume in a few seconds. Choosing a clean font, consistent formatting, and dividing your resume into sections with headings like “Academic Achievements” are all useful tips that will boost reading comprehension.  

In other words, stay away from overly creative headings, teeny tiny text sizes, and eccentric fonts unless you’re an absolute expert in your resume building abilities!

3. Be Selective

The academic achievements you list on your resume shouldn’t be all of things that you’ve accomplished at school. You only have so much room on your resume, so make sure you’re only listing academic achievements that will matter to the hiring manager.

Don’t waste valuable space by listing irrelevant academic achievements that won’t help you get hired. Tailor your list to your present career goals. The academic achievements you write should be carefully selected to say something important about you as a potential employee to the hiring manager who is reading your resume.

If you’re applying for a retail job, the perfect score you got on your latest chemistry exam probably won’t be that interesting for a hiring manager at the GAP.

On the other hand, listing that you’re a member of multiple extracurricular activities will show that you’re a multitasker who enjoys socializing with others, which are relevant skills for a sales associate or retail cashier.

4. Sends a Message About Who You Are (As an Employee)

The academic achievements on a resume should also work coherently with the rest of the skills, abilities, qualifications, and work experiences listed on your resume to send a straightforward message about who you are as an employee to a hiring manager.

Ask yourself what kind of employee you are, as well as what kind of employee the employer is describing in their job posting.

• Do you want to look responsible?
• Do you want to look creative?
• Do you want to look like a multi-tasker?

Narrow down the most important characteristics that will get you hired and then integrate them into the academic achievements on your resume.

If you’re applying for a camp counsellor position, you probably want to seem responsible and mature. You need to ask yourself what extracurriculars and scholastic accomplishments you’ve achieved help represent these characteristics.

The academic achievements on your resume should reflect the traits you want to show off, such as volunteering as a props manager for the school theatre, working as the timekeeper for the school basketball team, or being awarded with an honor roll award.

5. Proofread for Spelling and Grammar

Make sure that you proofread the academic achievements on your resume for correct spelling and grammar. It never hurts to ask a friend or family member to look over your resume. 

Now that you’ve learned about how to list academic achievements on your resume, it’s time to check out  our guide on writing soft skills into your resume  so you can build a complete and comprehensive resume.

When you’re ready to finish your resume, make sure to get a friend or family member to review your resume, or take advantage of Resume.com’s resume proofreading service to have a professional career advisor give your resume a final polish. Just jump into our free online resume builder  and select the proofreading feature to get started!

Resume Templates

Resume samples

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our AI resume builder and secure employment quickly.

Write a cover letter

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Samples

Create and edit your cover letter

Use our user-friendly tool to create the perfect cover letter.

Featured articles

• How to Write a Motivation Letter With Examples
• How to Write a Resume in 2024 That Gets Results
• Teamwork Skills on Your Resume: List and Examples
• What Are the Best Colors for Your Resume?

Latests articles

• Top 5 Tricks to Transform Your LinkedIn Profile With ChatGPT
• Using ChatGPT to Prepare for Interviews: Top Tips and Steps
• How to Create an Effective Cover Letter with ChatGPT
• 10 Jobs in High Demand in 2024: Salaries and Expected Growth

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Listing Awards on a Resume

In a competitive job market it is important to  make your resume stand out . Employers often receive hundreds of applications for a single job opening and many look the same.  Listing awards on a resume  can be a way of making your resume shine.

However, your resume should be  as concise as possible  which means that space is precious. The  awards section  of your resume is not the most important part. Your experience, skills, and education should take priority.

It is no good to simply write a long list of your  accomplishments and personal achievements.  Only  include awards on your resume  if they highlight a skill, attribute, or ability which the employer is looking for.

You should tailor your resume for each job application and you may realize that you have an award which clearly demonstrates that you have one of the  key job requirements . If so, add it using a  resume builder . Here are three  types of awards to include on a resume  which are often impressive to employers.

High School Awards and College Awards

Including academic awards on your resume  is particularly effective if you are writing a  student resume  or an  entry-level resume . It is a way of  showing your academic ability  and giving you an edge over countless other candidates with similar resumes.

If you were  awarded a scholarship , won an  academic prize  such as a science fair, or a piece of your work won a prestigious prize, it is impressive and it clearly  demonstrates your   strengths . However, the further you get in your career the  less relevant these achievements will become .

Adding academic achievements  is an important part of  how to write a high school resume  but you should only include them until you have enough professional work experience.

You can include  high school and college awards  in the education section of your resume. Or if you have  three or more academic awards  you can create a separate section.

Awards which demonstrate valuable soft skills

Each job has a  specific set of requirements . Employers normally look for a range of hard skills, which you can demonstrate by listing your  work experience and qualifications . However, soft skills are harder to show.

Many candidates simply say they have leadership, organizational, or communication skills. However, this is unconvincing. It is much better to  give a solid example  of when you have shown a skill, such as  receiving an award .

Sports achievements on a resume

Listing  athletics awards on a resume  and other sporting achievements clearly demonstrate that you have a range of strengths. Depending on the award, it can show you are a team-player, determined, have communication skills, or even leadership skills.

You can  include the award under your education section  (if it was during your school or college years). You can include them under an awards section if you have three or more things to add.

Military awards on a resume

Similarly, if you have served in the army and have  military awards  this is also very impressive and it can demonstrate that you have a range  highly-valuable soft skills  including discipline, organization,  communication skills , leadership, planning, decision-making, and the ability to perform under pressure.

You can  include a military award on your resume  under your professional experience section. Or if you have many you could create a separate  awards section .

Professional awards on a resume

Professional awards  act as a useful reference for your ability. It shows that you have recognition from your peers, clients, colleagues, or customers. Professional recognition can be important so add appropriate  professional certifications , honors, and awards.

If you have sufficient work experience, your academic awards are no longer as relevant. It is better to focus on your  career achievements  if you are writing a  professional resume . However, remember that space is precious so don’t  add awards on resume samples  which are not relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Employers will not hire you just based on an award but if it is related to the job you’re applying for and you also have relevant experience and qualifications,  it could make the difference  between your resume and a similar one. It demonstrates to employers that you have  strong hard skills .

If you have many  professional awards  you can list each one as a bullet point and you should include the name of the award, followed by the organization’s name, and finally the year you received it. If it is a particularly  prestigious award  you can include a short description of the activity which won you the award.

As well as awards you can also include  professional achievements  on your resume. If you increased sales, surpassed your targets, or increased traffic to a website this is impressive.  Use numbers to back up your claim . For example, “Increased sales by 15%”.

You can either include  professional awards  on your resume under an  honors and awards  section or a professional recognition section. If you only have one or two professional awards to add it is better to include them in your  professional experience .

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

Related Posts

Reading time: 9 min. Honors and Awards Your resume awards section can offer a major boost to your application. Find out how to list honors on a resume and show that you’re the best candidate. Reviewed Updated on August 9, 2023 Honors and Awards

How to List Awards on a Resume to Stand Out from the Crowd (with Examples)

Crafting the perfect resume has never been easy, and in today’s competitive job market, it can feel harder than ever. 

One key element that can give your resume a distinct edge is your collection of awards and recognition. These are tangible testimonials that speak to your skills, dedication, and exceptional performance in your field, setting you apart from the rest of the applicants. 

But how can you present these awards effectively on your resume? And, more importantly, is it always necessary to do so? 

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly why, when, and where you should add awards to your resume. 

3 key takeaways

• Why adding awards to resumes makes your profile stronger
• How (and when) to add awards to a resume depending on your experience 
• Examples of awards to add to your resume

The importance of awards on a resume

Including awards on your resume has many benefits, but some applicants forget they’re even worth mentioning. Instead, they write a generic “About Me” section for their resume and leave out some of their most relevant achievements, such as awards.  

But when presented correctly, awards demonstrate your achievements and distinguish you as a high achiever. In turn, this makes you stand out to hiring managers. 

Here's why:

Differentiation

Awards distinguish you from other candidates, plain and simple. This is especially true when you and another candidate have similar levels of working experience. When it comes down to the wire, you need every advantage you can get to tip the balance in your favor. 

Awards endorse your abilities, and when a potential employer sees them on your resume, they also see a candidate who has gone above and beyond. 

Evidence of skills & competencies

Awards often require specific skills to achieve, be it technical knowledge, leadership skills , teamwork, or creativity. For instance, a "Salesperson of the Year" award would reflect your ability to influence and negotiate. A "Most Innovative Project" award would signal creativity and problem-solving skills. 

Even high school or college awards can show early leadership or academic prowess for new graduates entering the job market.

Relevance & resonance

Including awards relevant to the job you're applying for underscores your suitability for that specific role. Let's say you're applying for a customer service role and have an " Employee of the Month " award for outstanding customer interactions. 

This award becomes a compelling selling point to hiring managers, demonstrating that you have been recognized for skills pertinent to the role at hand. 

This is one of the reasons you should check out Teal’s AI Resume Builder . 

When you create an application, Teal will match it with the specific job posting. Then, Teal pulls the keywords (including hard and soft skills) so you know which terms to use throughout your resume: 

With this, you can create a stronger resume and frame your awards more compellingly. Plus, you build a more ATS-friendly resume using keywords from the original job posting. 

Remember, putting awards on your resume isn’t about creating an exhaustive list but strategically selecting and presenting awards supporting your career story and the job you're targeting. 

And by using Teal’s AI Resume Builder , you can be sure your awards aren't just listed but leveraged, adding substance and strength to your resume.

When (& where) should you list awards on a resume

Understanding when and where to include awards and certifications on your resume can be tricky. Yet, their correct placement can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers. Here's a breakdown of where you should add awards (and to what extent) according to different stages in a career.

New graduates  

Fresh out of school, your ”Work Experience” section may look a little light.

In this case, academic awards, scholarships, or recognitions from internships, research projects, or student clubs can substantiate your qualifications. Place these awards in the "Education" section or create a separate "Honors and Awards" section if you have more than one to showcase. 

Coming off a professional break  

Reentering the workforce after a break can be challenging. Awards or certifications acquired during your break or prior to it can underscore your qualifications. Any recent awards or certifications can be mentioned in a "Professional Summary" section at the top of your resume. They demonstrate your commitment to keeping your skills sharp even during your break.

Older awards can be listed in a separate "Awards and Certifications" section towards the end of your resume or within previous job descriptions if they are directly related to those roles.

Entry-level applicants  

At the entry-level stage, any awards illustrating the skills needed for the job can set you apart from the competition. These can include awards from internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or relevant extracurricular activities. 

Depending on their relevance and your resume layout, they can be placed within specific job descriptions, in an "Awards and Achievements" section, or under "Skills" if they directly emphasize a specific skill.

Mid-level applicants  

At this stage, professional awards should take precedence . These should ideally be placed in the "Work Experience" section under the relevant job descriptions to tie your achievements directly to your roles. 

You could also consider creating a separate "Awards and Achievements" section if you have multiple noteworthy recognitions. 

Still, your working history and accomplishments should take up the bulk of your resume’s space, with awards supplementing that information rather than eclipsing it. 

Senior-level applicants  

For senior roles, the emphasis should be on high-impact awards that demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, or significant contributions to your field. High-level industry recognitions or awards for team projects you've led should be placed at the top of your resume in your “Professional Summary” section.  

Alternatively, they can be included in the relevant "Work Experience" entries.

Remember, the key is to weave your recognitions organically into your resume, making them integral pieces of your career narrative. 

How to list awards on a resume

You can list awards on a resume in many ways, but the two most common are with a resume-building tool like Teal or manually in a Google Doc or Word Doc. 

Adding awards on a resume with Teal 

Using Teal's AI Resume Builder to add awards to your resume is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your job application. 

Here's how to do it.

Step 1. Sign up for Teal  

First, navigate to Teal’s AI Resume Builder and create an account. This will allow you to access Teal's suite of career management tools.

Step 2. Upload your resume and match the job you're applying to  

Once you've signed up and logged in, you can quickly and easily upload your existing resume; or you can import your LinkedIn profile to get a stronger baseline:

Then, simply match your resume to a specific job post:

This allows Teal's AI to analyze the job requirements, extract relevant keywords, and optimize your resume so it’s keyword-searchable when a recruiter searches their Applicant Tracking System (ATS). 

In addition, it identifies which awards and achievements you should highlight based on their relevance to the job.

Step 3: Add awards to your resume 

Depending on your level of experience, you might need to add information about your awards in different sections, such as your: 

• Professional Summary
• Work Experience 
• "Awards" section

Awards in your professional summary 

Navigate to the "Professional Summary" section.

Use Teal's generative AI to create a resume profile tailored to your career and the job you're applying for:

After AI generates the summary, review it and add specific information about your awards. Include the award's name, when you received it, and why. This will give hiring managers a quick snapshot of your achievements.

Awards in your work experience 

Consider integrating professional awards within the "Work Experience" section if you have professional awards. Mention each award under the relevant job role, explaining what you did to achieve it and its significance. 

This makes your work history more impressive and showcases how you've distinguished yourself in previous roles.

You can also use Teal’s generative AI to help you create professional achievements, but be sure to check the output for accuracy:

Awards in your education section (for new grads)

For recent graduates, your "Education" section is a crucial part of your resume. If you have academic awards, scholarships, or recognitions, list them here. Depending on your work experience, you can place this section either before or after the "Work Experience" section.

The good news is that with Teal, you can move these sections around with a drag and a drop: 

The goal of adding awards to your resume is to reinforce your qualifications and impress the hiring manager. Make sure the awards you include are relevant, notable, and presented in a manner that complements the overall flow of your resume.

Awards in a dedicated "Awards" section

Incorporating an "Awards" section into your resume allows you to showcase your exceptional achievements and recognition within your field. These awards validate your dedication and proficiency, providing tangible evidence of your contributions and accomplishments. By highlighting these accolades, you not only emphasize your skills and expertise, but also demonstrate your commitment to excellence and your ability to stand out in a competitive professional landscape.

You can use Teal's AI Resume Builder to create an exhaustive list of your awards and scholarships and include the most relevant ones on each tailored resume.

Sign up and get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder today! 

Adding awards on a resume by hand 

Creating an awards section by hand can be tedious. At the very least, you can get some help with AI tools like ChatGPT for creating a resume . 

Step 1: Analyze the job description 

First, you need to carefully read and analyze the job description you're applying for. Look for keywords and required skills or qualifications that align with your awards or recognitions. 

This manual analysis is necessary to make sure your resume is tailored to the job and that your awards section is relevant.

Step 2: Craft a professional summary 

After that, you'll need to write a professional summary at the top of your resume. 

This is your chance to introduce yourself and briefly highlight your key achievements, which could include your most impactful awards. It's important to word this section carefully to catch the hiring manager's attention immediately.

Step 3: List awards in your work experience 

When listing your work experience, incorporate any professional awards you've received. Under each job role, detail your tasks, accomplishments, and any awards you obtained during that time. 

This process requires careful wording and layout to ensure it's easy to read and engaging.

Step 4: Highlight academic awards in the education section 

For fresh graduates or those with academic awards, it's crucial to list these in your education section. Similar to professional awards, detail what the award was for, why you received it, and its importance.

The placement of this section depends on your level of work experience.

Step 5: Proofread and edit

Finally, you'll need to meticulously proofread your resume, looking out for typos or grammatical errors. You’ll also want to verify that all the information is accurate, especially if you used ChatGPT. 

Consider having a friend or mentor review it for a fresh perspective. If it's someone you trust, you may consider asking them for a reference; though you won't list references on your resume , this person will be prepared with what to highlight if they get a call from the hiring manager.

Manually adding awards to your resume, especially with basic tools like Google Sheets or a Word document, can be a time-consuming and tedious process. It requires great attention to detail, a deep understanding of the job requirements, and exceptional writing skills to showcase your achievements effectively.

Tools like Teal's AI Resume Builder simplify this process, guiding you each step of the way and optimizing your resume for the specific job you're applying for.

Types of awards for your resume

To help you start brainstorming which awards might be best for your resume, here is a list of the types of awards you can use and some concrete examples. 

Academic awards

• Dean's List for high academic performance
• Valedictorian or Salutatorian of graduating class
• Subject-specific honors like "Mathematics Excellence Award"

Professional/Industry awards:

• "Salesperson of the Year" for surpassing sales targets
• "Employee of the Month" or "Employee of the Year" for outstanding overall performance
• "Best Innovator" for introducing a game-changing idea or product

Leadership awards

• "Team Leader of the Year" for effective team management
• "Outstanding Contribution to Project Management" for leading successful projects
• "Leadership Excellence Award" from a reputable organization

Community service awards

• "Volunteer of the Year" for notable contributions to a volunteer group or community organization
• Certificates of Appreciation for charity work
• "Community Service Award" from a city or county council

Scholarships and fellowships

• Merit-based scholarships such as "National Merit Scholar"
• Research fellowships like "Fulbright Fellowship"
• Industry-specific scholarships such as "Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship"

Professional certification and licenses

• "Certified Public Accountant" (CPA) for accountants
• "Project Management Professional" (PMP) for project managers
• "Registered Nurse" (RN) certification for nurses

Creative and technical competitions

• "First Place" in a reputable hackathon or coding competition
• Winning or placing in a writing, art, or film contest
• "Best Design" award in an architectural or design competition

Examples of awards for a resume (placed in various sections)

1. awards in your "professional summary" section.

"Award-winning Sales Manager with over 10 years of progressive experience in the technology industry. Recognized as the 'Top Regional Salesperson' for three consecutive years (2019-2021) , consistently exceeding sales targets by 15% each quarter. Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor high-performing sales teams to achieve strategic objectives. Proven track record of cultivating strong client relationships and effectively managing key accounts. Committed to driving sales growth by leveraging innovative strategies and providing exceptional customer service."

This approach is particularly effective for mid-level or senior professionals who have received significant awards relevant to their field. 

Highlighting these awards in the summary draws immediate attention to their achievements and sets the tone for the rest of the resume. It underscores their success in the field and reaffirms their capability and expertise. 

This method is especially valuable for those looking to advance in their career or transition into a role with greater responsibility.

2. Awards in your "Work Experience" section

Senior Product Designer | XYZ Corp | 2018 - Present

• Managed a team of five dynamic designers, leading initiatives to develop user-friendly software interfaces.
• Successfully boosted user engagement by a substantial 15% as a direct result of our team's intuitive interface designs.
• Recognized for outstanding innovation with the 'Innovator of the Year’ award in 2020 .
• Developed and implemented a new design process that improved project completion rates by 20%, contributing to XYZ Corp's increased product launch speed.

Integrating awards within your work experience is especially effective for professionals at any level who have received awards directly related to their roles.

This method ties the award to specific work experience, solidifying its relevance to potential employers.

3. Awards under your "Education" Section

"Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC University (2017-2021)

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude
• Recipient of the 'Outstanding Student in Computer Science' award in 2023..."

New graduates or individuals who have recently completed an academic program would find it beneficial to include awards under their education. It can compensate for limited work experience by highlighting academic excellence and dedication.

4. Awards as a separate section

"Awards and Achievements:

• 'Salesperson of the Year' – XYZ Corp, 2022
• 'Top Performer in Customer Satisfaction' – XYZ Corp, 2021
• 'Best New Talent' – ABC Industry Awards, 2020"

Having a dedicated section for awards is a versatile approach suitable for all levels of professionals, especially if they have multiple recognitions. It provides a clear, concise way for hiring managers to see your achievements at a glance.

That said, for higher-level roles, you should prioritize measurable resume accomplishments and only mention awards directly related to your field and the job in question. 

Use Teal's AI Resume Builder to create an exhaustive list of awards to pick and choose from as they relate to the job you're applying for.

Final thoughts

Awards highlight your dedication, capability to excel, and potential to bring remarkable performance to your future role. However, it’s not merely about listing awards; it's about presenting them in a way that complements your career narrative and resonates with prospective employers.

In this light, every award you've earned becomes a golden opportunity to illustrate your unique value proposition. 

But capitalizing on this opportunity can be hard when juggling multiple job applications or operating under time constraints. 

This is where Teal's AI Resume Builder comes into play. 

By leveraging this powerful tool, you can create tailored, impactful resumes that highlight your awards, matching them seamlessly with specific job descriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should i format scholarships on my resume to make them stand out, can i include high school awards on my professional resume, should i list awards on my resume that are unrelated to the job i'm applying for.

Nathan Thompson

Related articles.

How To Write an Effective Email Cover Letter (Template + Examples)

What is a Resume? (Definition, Types, & Examples)

Resume Qualifications: 4 Qualification Types To Put on Your Resume (+ Examples)

How Long Should You Stay at a Job? (6 Questions to Ask)

We help you find the career dream.

Enter your email address below to have a password reset request emailed to you. Follow the instructions to reset your password.

Create learner account

By signing up, you agree with Terms of Use, Privacy Policy & Cookie Policy

Resume Award Winners: How to List Professional or Academic Awards

• Find your skills

Explore more than 500+ high-income skills with highly motivated tutors

Like this post? Share with your friends

Listing awards you’ve won on your resume can be an effective way to showcase your achievements and stand out from other applicants. However, there are some important factors you should keep in mind when doing so. 

 This guide will walk you through the different award types that apply to both academic and professional contexts and will give tips on how to list your awards to make them stand out on your resume.

What Is an Award?

An award is a form of recognition for an achievement. It is often given to the winner of a competition for either professional or academic achievements. Organizations and institutions typically give awards in various fields, such as entertainment, education, business and industry.  

When listing awards on your resume , you should include the title of the award as well as when you received it. You should also add a brief description of how you earned it and any other information that may be relevant to your field. 

Let’s talk more about these awards in the next section.

Reasons to List Professional and Academic Awards

So, why should you list your awards on your resume?

 Awards, prizes, and honors are a great way to show off your accomplishments on your resume. Not only do they demonstrate a commitment and dedication to your field of study, but they also provide potential employers with an objective measure of your skill level. Furthermore, these awards can demonstrate that you’re a competitive candidate in the job market by showing how you were better than others in competitions for those awards. 

 With all the benefits that come from listing awards on resumes, it’s worth taking the time to ensure you’re putting them in the correct section of your resume. When listing awards at the end of a professional resume, list each award individually, followed by the company where it was awarded and then the date. 

 You should include any company award because it demonstrates your professionalism and work ethic when dealing with clients. If you have won many different types of awards, then list them separately into categories based on their type (e.g., academic awards, community service-related awards). 

 Including accomplishments on your resume is an important step to being selected for interviews. These accomplishments help demonstrate that you are qualified for a position and will make any employer want to meet you. It’s essential to tailor your resume each time you apply for a position so that the information showcases how well-suited you are for the job. 

 Including specific qualifications as well as related experience will help you stand out amongst other applicants. These steps are crucial when crafting your resume, which will then lead to receiving more job offers and better career opportunities. 

 You’ll also want to customize your resume depending on the type of position you’re applying for, such as highlighting skills relevant to the field or describing past responsibilities. If you’re applying for a management-level position at a tech startup, for example, “Managed social media” might not be an appropriate accomplishment because it doesn’t highlight management skills like “Led a team of 10 engineers”.

 We’ll share more tips on listing awards below.

What Is Not Considered an Accomplishment/Award?

Awards are not always as straightforward as they seem. An award can be an opportunity given by a company, often in the form of cash or cash equivalent prizes. 

 Sometimes, an award is not something you should list on your resume because it doesn’t represent an accomplishment that you completed. It should only be listed if it was a personal achievement, such as an award for running a marathon. 

 Do not include awards like the first-place trophy you received in a singing contest unless you are applying for a job that requires a singing skill. 

 The following does NOT count as an accomplishment/award:

• Cash prizes from contests (unless related to work skills)
• Participation trophies 
• A one-time best-in-attendance award in college

Find a tutor for this topic

• Business Events Management

What Awards and Accomplishments to List

There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding what awards and accomplishments you want to list on your resume. The first thing is whether the award is related to the job you’re applying for. 

For example, if you’re applying for a position in marketing, it might make sense to include any marketing awards that you’ve won. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a position as an accountant, it makes sense not to include those same marketing awards. 

You should also consider how recent the award was; if it’s been less than one year since you won an award, then it’s worth mentioning on your resume.

Below is a guide of awards or accomplishments to consider:

1. High School and College Awards 

If you have won any high school or college-level awards, it’s important to list them because they show that you have excelled academically. If the award has a GPA requirement (e.g., 3.5 GPA), be sure to include your high school and/or college GPAs next to the award title (e.g., Sophomore of the Year: 3.5 GPA). 

 It’s also a good idea to mention if there were specific requirements for winning the award (e.g., Most Improved Player) so that employers know what level of achievement they’re getting with this person who already has proven academic success.

2. Scholarships and Awards 

Generally, it’s best to list only scholarships or fellowships relevant to the job you’re seeking. That being said, most people find themselves in a breadth vs depth dilemma when figuring out how many accolades to put on their resume. 

You should limit yourself to three awards or honours at most, but this really depends on the situation. When in doubt, just ask yourself:

• What does my reader need? 
• Does my reader need evidence that I am intelligent? Then showcase my intelligence by listing my academic awards and honors. 
• Does my reader need evidence that I am ambitious? Then showcase the extra-curricular activities where I took the initiative and served others!

3. Company Awards

Another type of award you should list on your resume is company awards . These typically come in the form of annual bonuses or employee rewards given by companies . They often signify excellent performance or a willingness to go above and beyond expectations. 

 Be careful not to overstate these awards, though, because they don’t require much effort on the part of the employee. For example, if you receive $100 each year as a bonus for having perfect attendance, it’s unlikely that an employer would care too much about that fact unless he sees other indicators that he wants to hire someone like himself!

4. Industry-Specific Awards 

Finally, there is the question of industry-specific awards. For some industries, it’s crucial to include all major industry awards won. 

For example, if you’re applying for a position in advertising or marketing, it’s generally expected that you will include all major award wins on your resume. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a position in business administration or economics, then it might not be as necessary to list awards that aren’t related to the field. 

 Nevertheless, if you’re confident in your skills and it looks good on the resume, you should definitely include awards that are relevant to your desired field.

How and Where to List Accomplishments

Listing accomplishments on your resume may seem like a daunting task, but it can be broken down into manageable steps. 

Accomplishments are typically one of two types: professional and academic. When listing professional achievements, you should list them in reverse order, starting with the most recent achievement.

The same principle applies to academic awards; however, you should list the most prestigious award first and work down from there. For example, Doctoral Degree in Mechanical Engineering would be listed before a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

More Tips on Listing Awards and Accomplishments

Awards and accomplishments can help you stand out from the rest of the applicant pool. A resume with awards is more likely to get a recruiter’s attention than one without. It also helps show that you are motivated and have achieved success in your previous positions. 

 There are a variety of ways to list awards and accomplishments on your resume, such as

1. Use bullet points. 

It helps to use bullet points to list awards. This will make it easier for recruiters to scan through your achievements.

2. List your achievements under the Education or Career Highlights section. 

To support your educational achievements and career experience, you can list your achievements under the Education or Career Highlights section.

3. Use a professional resume builder.

If you are not sure what to write or include on your resume, do not hesitate to use a professional resume builder . This helps you create a resume that stands out in minutes!

4. Limit the number of achievements you list on your resume.

Include an appropriate number of achievements so you don’t overdo it. But make sure they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for. This will help recruiters see what type of work ethic and skill set they’ll be getting if they hire you. 

5. List them separately.

One way to include these achievements is by listing them separately on a Professional Experience or Education page at the end of your resume. The second way would be to include them within your objective statement. You may want to mention these in your cover letter, too.  

Remember, though, that there should not be more than two pages worth of achievements on any given resume; otherwise, you risk looking like you are bragging instead of listing skills and qualifications which can benefit the company. After all, you want the hiring manager to know how qualified and desirable you are without being pushy about it. 

For example, if you are seeking a sales representative position and have won first place in regional sales competitions, mention this achievement after the following sentence: I am committed to achieving superior results through hard work.

6. List awards in chronological order.

There is no set order for how awards are listed, but it is best to list them by date. Include the award name, date received, and a brief description of what the award was for. This will help get your resume noticed because it showcases your academic successes and professional achievement.

 Put your award titles in chronological order, starting with the oldest and ending with the newest. This way, potential employers can get a sense of how long you’ve been succeeding academically or professionally. 

7. Write short award descriptions.

Include a brief description of what you accomplished to win the award. This helps readers understand why it’s worth mentioning on your resume.

8. Ensure the awards are recent and relevant to the role you are applying for.

When listing your academic awards, make sure they are recent and relevant to the position for which you are applying. Many people may not know what constitutes an award winner, so it is important to provide context when listing awards, such as the National Honor Society or a 4.0 GPA. 

You can also include any scholarships you have received or honors programs. These accomplishments show potential employers how dedicated you are to excelling in your field of study and striving for greatness. 

 There are many other types of awards you can include on your resume if applicable, including awards for volunteer work, sports achievements, leadership roles, etc., but again, they should be relevant to the role you are applying for.

9. Include relevant information, like dates and locations.

If you are going into detail about your award(s), provide specific details, including dates and location. Avoid writing things like 1st place winner because it doesn’t provide enough information.

Related posts

• Online Lessons
• Become an instructor
• Freelancing

Finding remote teaching jobs: Best platforms

Discover the best platforms for remote teaching jobs and learn how to optimize your profile to attract students. Find success in online education!

How to Make Polymer Clay Jewelry

Understanding how to make polymer clay jewelry is easy. With our guide you’ll know how to colour, bake, & finish your clay jewelry in a cinch

• One on One classes
• Private Teachers

What benefits you can get from one-on-one online instruction

The article investigates the benefits of one-on-one instruction, marks advantages and effectiveness in learning processes with relevant research and examples.

Are you a robot?

• Editor Picks

How To Write Academic Achievements In Resume

Where Can I Include Achievements And Awards On My Resume

You can include your accomplishments on your resume. Your summary, talents, professional experience and dedicated accomplishments sections are the most frequent areas for you to highlight your accomplishments. Here are some examples of how you can add achievements on your resume in different sections:

Why Should I Place Accomplishments On My Resume

Accomplishments on a resume serve as an indicator to an employer that you have a particularly strong work ethic or skillset.

Including your achievements on a resume is key to showcasing your strengths and talents while also improving your likelihood of landing the job you are applying for.

There are two main ways to place accomplishments on your resume:

• In Job Descriptions. In your work experience section, the way you describe your previous jobs matters. Job descriptions are a great place to highlight your specific achievements in this position.
• In a Dedicated Achievements Section . Creating a dedicated section for achievements allows you to expand upon your overall accomplishments and showcase awards or other honors given to you.

Including accomplishments in not one, but both of these sections on a resume can help to accentuate your skills in a way that will stand out to potential employers.

Here Are Three Things You Can Do To Make Your Achievements More Interesting On Your Cv:

• Firstly, focus on measurable achievements. Instead of saying that you wrote some articles for a newspaper website, mention the number of words or the article title to show what theyre about and how long they would take to write. This way recruiters will have a better idea of how talented you are at writing up articles!
• Focus on achievements that are directly connected to the job youre applying for. For example, if youre applying for a position in sales, then mention about a deal that your team closed and how much money it was worth. This way theyll have an idea of how much your contribution was worth and it will show that youre confident in your skills.
• Add some details to what you did. Dont just say that I created a new website or I wrote some articles.

Read Also: How To Create A Resume In Google Docs

Achievements In Resume For Students

Students are considering as the most enthusiastic personality on earth. They have lots of opportunities to achieve awards in various sectors as well as they have career chances in that field. In student-level achievement is related to the accomplishments are relevant honors, awards that you earned for exceeding average standards in either academics or in a work environment. Some examples of accomplishments are: Honor Roll inclusion for high grades, Scholarships, Volunteer related awards, Awards won for specific activities or subjects , Elected class representative, Fine Art Award) Perfect attendance awards, completed a 25-miles marathon for charity Inclusion in student-related achievement publications .

Where To List Awards On Your Resume

Employers often receive dozens to hundreds of applications for a single open position. Having awards and accomplishments on your resume is one of the ways that you can make your application stand out, but where and how do you list them? In this article, we examine the value of including awards and accomplishments on your resume, the common types of awards to include and how to include awards on your resume to impress potential employers .

Don’t Miss: Gpa In Resume

Listing Achievements On Resume

There are many ways of how to list achievements on resume.

The most common way of listing accomplishments to put on a resume is by making a sub-header within the same work experiences section:

The way to list and highlight your extra-curricular/co-curricular resume achievements is by listing them in a separate section:

Another way of listing all your Awards & Achievements together is by… listing them together:

The way to include professional achievements on resume for a senior profile could be by listing all your achievements together as a part of your “Career Highlights” below the “Key Skills” section:

Where To Place Your Education Section

Either before or after your work experience section. It depends on your resume format and where you are in your career.

As with the rest of your resume, the rule of thumb is: always put the most important information first.

Are you a student or fresh graduate? Then remember: your education is still one of your biggest strengths. Naturally, you should play to your strengths and put your education section in a place where recruiters can immediately see it.

Place it near to the top of your resume just below your resume objective/profile section.

Are you an experienced professional? Then you can place your education section anywhere on the page .

Just remember: you should always put the most important information first. At this point in your life, your education isnt nearly as important as it used to be. Because of that, it should probably find its place near the bottom of your resume.

Don’t Miss: How To Put Honours In Resume

College Student Resume Example And Writing Tips

When creating a resume as a college student , it’s important to emphasize both your work history and your education. For a student resume , you can also demonstrate your skills and abilities by including volunteer work, internships, and other extracurricular activities.

Review what to include in your resume, tips for writing a resume that highlights your qualifications, and download a resume template you can use as a starting point for creating your own resume.

List Awards Under The Right Sections

When listing your awards and accomplishments, you usually want to put them under their respective education or employment history sections. If the award is part of your education history, include it under your education summary. If it is relevant to past work experience, include it with your employment history. If the award is outside your scope of work and particularly impressive, such as an annual civic award, then include it in a separate awards section to highlight it.

Related: 10 Resume Writing Tips to Help You Land a Job

Read Also: Can You Upload A Resume To Linkedin

How To Write Your Professional Achievements In Your Cv:

• Instead of just saying that you did something or achieved a certain thing, add some extra details such as the timeline, the people involved, the benefit of it and how many people were affected:
• If youre applying for a job where its important for them to know about your academic achievements, then include them at the bottom of your CV or in the cover letter. Dont put them in the middle of your CV as it will make it look unprofessional.
• If youre including achievements that you want to be more specific about, then its best that you write them in the cover letter and just say For a full list of my achievements, please see my CV.
• If your achievements are really important, then include them at the top of your CV so they dont get forgotten about by the person reading it.

Want to write a stand-out CV, so please check our examples of good CV template for your reference. Also, use our free CV builder .

How To Write Achievements In Resume

Most job-seekers underestimate the importance of writing professional accomplishments on a resume . Meanwhile, its the accomplishments that distinguish a great resume from a mediocre one. Not only they show your commercial value, but also communicate that you are result-oriented and give a glimpse of what you can accomplish for an employer if hired.

Concentrating the resume on accomplishments rather than on typical duties for the role will give you a competitive edge over other applicants. However, simply adding figures or mentioning that you met expectations is not enough for writing achievements efficiently. Today, our team of the best online resume writers is going to share the professional secrets so you could list your accomplishments in the way that captivates the attention of a hiring person.

Dont have time to learn resume writing rules ? Get your resume written by an experienced writer of Resumeperk.com . Our professionals have the expertise in creating achievement-driven resumes and will help to present your background on paper efficiently. We will also work on the writing style, keywords and design to maximize your chances for an interview.

Don’t Miss: Is It Ok For A Resume To Be 2 Pages

Benefits Of Having Achievements On Your Cv:

If youre thinking about adding achievements to your CV, youll need to consider the following:

• Theyre memorable: If youve got achievements that are positive and interesting, then its likely that the person reading your CV will remember them.
• Theyre impressive: If youve achieved something and managed to get someone else to recognise it, then this can be a great way of showing off your skills and talents.
• Theyre a great way of showing character: Employers like to know that youre a valuable team-player, and that youre the type of person who doesnt simply work for themselves, but makes an effort to help out others.

Should I Place Accomplishments On My Resume

Most candidates know to include the duties and responsibilities of their positions on their resume, but often leave out one of the most important elements of their professional history, which are their accomplishments. Including accomplishments on your resume can help illuminate your strengths, history of success and growth to potential employers.

1. Name and contact information2. Summary or objectivec. Description of role and achievement4. Education6. Optional

You May Like: When Will Corvette Plant Tours Resume

How To List Achievements As A Student

If youre a student or a recent graduate , you probably dont have that much work experience .

What you can do, though, is list your achievements in several other sections, such as:

• Education . Your achievements during your time at the university. E.g. Managed to maintain a 3.8 GPA while working and studying full-time.
• Projects. Any type of projects youve worked on. For example, the marketing strategy you created for a class. E.g. Created a marketing strategy for Company X as part of my Marketing 101 course.
• Volunteering Experience. E.g. Taught kids elementary mathematics as a volunteer at Saint Judes orphanage.

Examples Of Quantitative And Qualitative Results

• Received the Paul Dupont Scholarship for academic excellence.
• Ranked as a finalist in three national swimming competitions.
• Helped a team reach a deadline for a guide on the installation of new health centres.
• Contributed to the development of a brand repositioning campaign for a cosmetics customer, generating a 10% increase in sales in under 3 months.
• Saved 30% and raised profits by 15% by restructuring the management team.
• Developed new marketing strategies resulting in better product visibility, and increased sales by 20% within the first six months.
• Won 2nd place in the ABCD university competition by resolving a procurement problem.
• Developed a training program that helped improve the teams conflict management interventions.

Read Also: Who Should Be References On A Resume

Examples Of Accomplishments To Put On A Resume: By Industry

Here are some industry-specific examples of achievements which you can use to give you ideas and to help you write an accomplishment-based resume .

Balanced an annual budget of over $600,000

Saved the company 7% over a 5-year period

Responded to over 30 emails a day and resolved customers problems

Designed email templates, which were used throughout the department

Operated a cash register and handled over $10,000 a week

Assisted 20 customers a day, making tailored recommendations

Saved the company $10,000 by implementing efficiency software

Reduced the hours lost through IT problems by 8%

Provided high-quality care to over 20 patients daily

Mentored and led a team of 12 newly-qualified nurses

Top salesperson in the team for 3 years running

Boosted sales by over 25% in 2016

Examples Of Professional Achievements:

• Technical skills: Founded a new website for my companys business, and handled all development for the site from start to completion with no technical support. Designed, implemented and maintained a complete new site for an e-commerce company that sold over $1.5M in goods online each year!
• Sales & Marketing: Became the national sales manager of our franchised restaurant chain, resulting in us doubling our business in less than 18 months. Became a top salesman of our business-to-business service package, leading to the signing of new contracts with three new clients
• Customer Services: Built up consumer loyalty through delivering a personal and professional touch to all of my customers, resulting in 80% of repeat business from my clients. Developed a novel technique for customer satisfaction that was later published in a leading journal.

You May Like: How To List Gpa On Resume

Accomplishments That Reveal Sensitive Information

Be cognizant of the details you include with your professional accomplishments. Some information may be privileged or proprietary information. Make sure to check with your current and past companies to understand what information should be kept private. If youre not sure, keep your accomplishments general.

Why You Should List Awards And Achievements On Your Cv

Put simply, by including achievements and awards on your CV, you’ll be positioning yourself a step ahead of other candidates and applicants, right from the start. Employers and hiring managers will see that you’ve performed well in previous roles and will therefore assume that you are likely to continue delivering results for their business.

Awards are, in some ways, even better than achievements, as they provide third-party validation and recognition of your value. Most sales professionals will claim to have increased sales, for example, but winning the Salesperson of the Year award shows that they’ve performed beyond expectations and above their peers. If you’re looking for a way to highlight your value without sounding boastful , including awards on your CV is an excellent way to prove your worth.

Also Check: Should You List High School On Resume

How Do You Start An Achievement Essay

Begin your essay by engaging opening sentences to draw the reader in.2. How to choose your accomplishment stories?

• Am I truly proud of this accomplishment?
• Did this accomplishment make a tangible impact on an organization or an individual?
• Did this accomplishment help me learn a new skill I did not know before?

Examples Of Qualitative Accomplishment Statements:

• Entrusted to work and uphold protocol within corporate office among high-level executives.
• Organized database to track business contacts and was commended for attention to detail and accuracy.
• Broadened and maintained an extensive network of contacts and clients.
• Interacted with diverse customers on a constant basis, promoting excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Managed daily operations of upscale bar and restaurant, including opening and closing operations, inventory management, new employee training, customer service and sales.
• Praised for the ability to solve difficult problems independently and efficiently.

Read Also: How To Name A Resume

How To List Accomplishments On Resume

Turn your statements of responsibility into statements of impact.

The awards in resume may exist as different functions you contributed to within your work experiences – significant to the work experience, or to the career highlights section.

It may also exist immediately as an “Achievements” section after the work experience section.

Structure your achievement for resume

The STAR Resume format.

Following the STAR resume point structure, a resume achievements section comprises 3 principle components :

• skills and achievements on resume
• carrying out any activity
• Value your were you able to add

Therefore, instead of merely stating that you were:

• Responsible for a team of 10 people

you can write that you:

Led a team of 10 to generate sales of USD 3M on a yearly basis

The Benefits Of Including Your Achievements On Your Cv

1 Past performance can be an indication of future performance

Your personal attainments tell prospective employers a lot about you.

There is a well-known saying which states:

If you want to predict someones future, look at their past.

An employer will look at your achievements on your CV and think to themselves, Heres an individual who has achieved great things in the past they are obviously capable of accomplishing more great things in the future for us!

2 Employers prefer candidates with accomplishment-based CVs

You are more likely to be invited for a job interview if your CV is focused on your achievements, rather than on your duties or responsibilities.

According to interesting research conducted by the authors of Brilliant CV: What employers want to see & how to say it , the applicants with achievement-focused CVs were three times more likely to be shortlisted for job interviews compared to candidates with duties-focused CVs!

Read Also: How To Put Reference On A Resume

Tips For Writing A College Resume

Read below for tips on how to write a strong college resume.

• Use action verbs. Action verbs help show your responsibility. When describing your achievements, use action words. Words like led, researched, and to portray your experiences in an energetic way. Check out a list of action words for useful examples.
• Quantify when possible. Whenever possible, include numbers to show your achievements . For example, you might say that you worked the cash register at a store that managed $10,000 daily, or that you helped 50 – 100 customers daily at your retail job.

Add Your Achievements To The Work Experience Section

Your work experience section, where your previous jobs are listed and described, is the most important part of your job application. It is also the best place to show your achievements in your resume. Here is how you can make this section stand out:

• Quantify your achievements where possible.
• Make every sentence count.
• Focus on the business outcome of your actions.
• Use up to 6 bullets points for each job and focus only on what is relevant to the job you are applying for.
• If possible, begin each bullet with an action verb. Action verbs include words like, “designed,””created,””engineered,” and “initiated”.

You May Like: Writing An Acting Resume

Resume For Registered Nurse Example

What should resume look like, how to write an effective resume for freshers, how to add freelance work to resume, how to write a resume for a job without experience, how many pages should a resume be, most popular, paramedic job description for resume, how to get your resume on one page, editor picks, how is a resume supposed to look, popular posts, what to put under communication on a resume, popular category.

• Editor Picks 399
• Popular 392
• Must Read 391
• Exclusive 381
• Template 160
• Example 140

MasterResume.net is a one-stop resource for everything you need to know about resume. In one place

Contact us: [email protected]

© 2021 MasterResume.net

• Privacy Policy

• Current Students
• U.S. Locations
• UMGC Europe
• Learn Online
• Find Answers
• 855-655-8682

What Makes a Winning Resume

A successful job search begins with a strong resume—the written summary of your qualifications and previous work experience used for future employment opportunities. Along with a cover letter, your resume is often an employer’s first encounter with you as a jobseeker. In our Career Connection blog , UMGC experts share their tips for creating a strong first impression with effective resumes and cover letters.

Resume Writing Strategies for Career Changes

One of the keys to successfully navigating a career change is crafting a compelling resume. UMGC can help you write a resume that focuses on your strengths and transferable skills and shows employers that you're a valuable candidate, even if you don't yet have specific experience in their field. Discover key strategies to help you optimize your resume toward entering the career you want. 

Tips for Writing Cover Letters

Whether you are submitting your resume, approaching an employer for job consideration, or contacting a third party for networking purposes, it is customary to send a letter of introduction known as a cover letter. In this age of hastily scribbled emails, emoji-filled texts, and simple “liked” replies, the art of composing career-relevant and compelling cover letters is often lost. 

Get tips on composing an engaging cover letter that boosts your resume, sets you apart from the crowd, and helps you make that all-important first impression a good one. 

How to Write a Job-Winning Resume

A well-crafted resume tells the story of your career in a way that explains why you are the right candidate for the job. Read about ways you can tailor your resume to target the industry of your choice and the specific job posting you are applying for. Learn the secrets of formatting your resume correctly, marketing your experience, using keywords, and more. 

How to Highlight Your Academic Accomplishments on Your Resume

Today, the average job listing gets more than 250 applications. That’s hard to contend with, even if you’re a seasoned professional. But when you’re a student or recent graduate with little to no experience behind you, it can feel even more daunting. So, how are you supposed to compete with so many other jobseekers? In this step-by-step guide, you can learn how to effectively highlight your accomplishments as a student and showcase your skills on your resume. 

Are Shorter Resumes Stronger?

Ideally, your resume should be as short as possible while still including all your relevant skills, education, and work experience, along with any certifications, awards, and relevant activities. With so much information to highlight, it can be difficult to know what to include—and exclude. Get five great tips for keeping your resume short and strong.

Building a Tech Resume

When looking to fill technical roles within a company, hiring managers and recruiters often look for candidates who possess the specific technical skills required to be successful on their first day. Creating a strong technical resume can make a big difference when applying for tech jobs. Learn what the components of an effective technical resume are, what you need to include, and what to avoid to help your technical skills shine.

Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party. 

Learn More About Lifetime Career Services at UMGC

UMGC offers a full suite of career services to students and alumni at no cost. UMGC admissions advisors can answer your questions and help you get started on your educational goals.

Related Articles

By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about how we use cookies by reading our  Privacy Policy .

No Application Fee

Apply by May 31, and we'll waive your application fee.

How to write an academic CV: dos and dont's

What key information to include on your academic CV and how to present it, alongside some common mistakes to avoid, by Eleanor Hennige

Eleanor Hennige

• More on this topic

Created in partnership with

You may also like

Popular resources

.css-1txxx8u{overflow:hidden;max-height:81px;text-indent:0px;} Students using generative AI to write essays isn't a crisis

How students’ genai skills affect assignment instructions, turn individual wins into team achievements in group work, access and equity: two crucial aspects of applied learning, emotions and learning: what role do emotions play in how and why students learn.

The purpose of an academic CV might seem obvious in that it’s used for job applications and it’s a document that every researcher has. However, the trick to an effective CV is keeping it up to date with recent achievements and presenting a picture relevant to the role to which you are applying. A well-presented CV can be the difference between securing that all-important interview, or not.

Writing an academic CV is not a quick exercise. Certainly not if you intend to sell yourself as the ideal candidate. Every time you apply for a job you need to tailor your CV for that specific role. Don’t undersell yourself by presenting a generic CV that will call into question your suitability and motivation for the job in question through lack of detail. Instead practise the art of decoding the job description and person specification. This means going through these documents with a fine toothcomb, ideally armed with a highlighter too, and identifying the key skills and experience sought. You should also be able to get a feel for the employers’ preference and the order of importance of these skills. Once you’ve identified what the employer is looking for, you can make sure that these key skills and experiences are evidenced within the first two pages of your CV – remember presenting the most relevant experience first is key to capturing the recruiter’s interest.

• Academic writing resources
• You can have it all, just not all at once
• ECRs can still evidence leadership and management skills on their CVs

What to do:

Focus on ensuring that pages one and two have the most important information relevant to the role such as skills and experience. This might mean swapping the order of your sections around each time that you make a new application.

Use bullet points to describe your experience and highlight its relevance and wider impact. A strong bullet point starts with an active verb and covers a key achievement and the skills that you used to do so. It shouldn’t be longer than four lines of text.

Use facts and figures wherever possible to back up your level of responsibility and to help quantify your achievements. For example, include a brief section highlighting the number of publications and any notable articles but leave the full “Publication section” until later.

Proofread for mistakes and grammatical errors as high standards are expected. Better still, get a colleague or friend to proofread it too.

Do ensure that the CV has a clear structure. Key sections often include Research, Teaching, Funding & Awards, Publications, Administration and Public engagement/Wider impact. It must be well formatted and with a minimum font size of 11 points. It won’t get read if the recruiter finds it too difficult to pick out the key information – keep it simple and professional, no party tricks.

Do keep your objective or personal profile brief, if you choose to have one. These can do an excellent job of selling you if written well. Too much detail and they lose their impact.

Do upload your CV as a pdf when submitting it. This ensures more reliable formatting should the CV be printed off as well as being read on screen.

What not to do:

Do not write “Curriculum Vitae” at the top of the document, it should be obvious from the layout what the document is. Instead use your name as the header.

Don’t include your date of birth (DOB) when applying for academic roles within the UK as this information is not needed (check local preferences when making applications outside of the UK).

Don’t include lists of information without making it relevant to the role – ie, don’t give lists of courses with no description of what they are.

Don’t assume that a publication list means that you don’t need to provide any detail on your research. Research is one of the key sections of an academic CV.

Don’t undersell yourself by not including corresponding evidence and facts and figures.

Don’t make it too long. The average length for researchers at an early stage of their career is four to five pages.

Don’t forget about the covering letter. It is rare that a CV would be a stand-alone document.

Don’t forget to brief your referees. If you have given your referees the details of the role that you are applying for, they will be able to write a better reference.

Targeting your applications will make the difference

The takeaway message is put the most important things first and make a match between the skills that you have and what the role is asking for. Don’t waste space and time giving unnecessary detail. Remember that not every academic position advertised is the same so do your research. Consider what is the focus of the department and how your current research fits in as well as future research plans that you have to offer.

Eleanor Hennige is the research staff careers consultant based in the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Academic Development. 

If you found this interesting and want advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week,  sign up for the THE Campus newsletter . 

Students using generative AI to write essays isn't a crisis

Eleven ways to support international students, indigenising teaching through traditional knowledge, seven exercises to use in your gender studies classes, rather than restrict the use of ai, embrace the challenge, how hard can it be testing ai detection tools.

Register for free

and unlock a host of features on the THE site