What if I only have high school education, but have 30 years on-the-job training?

by Tami Lanan
(Clatskanie, Oregon)

I am currently a Fiscal Officer at a large non-profit. I have had 25 years of on-the-job training in all facets of administration and my previous job I was seven years as an administrative manager.

I also have 15 years in all areas of accounting, corporate and non-profit and an currently a Fiscal Officer. How do I show no education on my resume, but on-the-job training? Although I really am very good at what I do, and have excellent references all these years, I know in this job market that this will be a "big" negative on my resume with no education!

Help!



Answer: Hi Tami! Thanks for asking this question. It's a great one. I'd have to say I think you've got a great background, despite the lack of a college education. So your task is to "sell" yourself. In your resume, be sure you emphasize accomplishments, as well as the breadth of your very solid experience. Under education, if you've taken any formal training at all, include it, even if it was just a one-day seminar. Then, in your cover letter, recognize your lack of formal education, but go on to explain why that won't matter, due to the strength of your experience in the "real" world.

Good luck!
Kathi