Are you getting ready to apply for a new job? Most roles require you to submit a resume along with your cover letter and application form.
It is important to make sure that your resume includes information that will grab the attention of the hiring manager. You need to make sure it includes information that makes you stand out from the crowd. The hiring manager needs to know what makes you special and why you are perfect for the job.
If you are wondering how to list cum laude on a resume, then it’s time to find out…
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What Is Cum Laude?
This is a distinction that is given to students when they graduate. It is bestowed to recognize students for their hard work during their time in college. Only a couple of people from each class are given this distinction, which helps to highlight the student’s achievement.
This is a Latin term that basically translates to either with praise or with honor. Each college and university awards this honor to certain students when they graduate. However, the academic requirements for qualifying for this honor can vary widely between institutions.
It’s no easy task…
In most cases, it is necessary to obtain a set grade-point average. Students who want to gain this honor have to complete a certain number of credit hours. The overall class rank of the student is also taken into account.
This honor is usually presented to students during their graduation ceremonies. The distinction is also included on the student’s college diploma. Some educational institutions also provide students with a special insignia that they can wear during their graduation ceremony.
How To List Cum Laude On A Resume – When To Highlight The Achievement
If you are a recent graduate, you may have little or even no work history to display on your CV. This can make it look quite barren compared to people with a lot of work experience. Therefore, you may want to include any special honors you have received while completing your education.
Including these honors clearly shows your commitment to excellence and work ethic. These are two of the main attributes that hiring managers look for in entry-level candidates. The honors show that you are able to learn quickly and go above and beyond expectations.
It’ll help you stand out from the crowd!
These honors will help you to stand out when several people are applying for the same job vacancy. The honors also help applicant tracking systems to pick up on these specific keywords. As a result, your application is likely to be selected for special attention.
How To Feature The Distinction
While you may want to highlight this distinction, it is important to do it in the right way. While it is best not to lead with this honor, you need to make sure that it is not overlooked. So, let’s check out some of the steps you should take to make sure the honor is properly featured.
Choose the right place to display it
There are several different areas of your hiring document where you could highlight your honor. In most cases, the most natural place to highlight it is in your education section. Alternatively, you could create a separate section for your awards and achievements. This is probably a better option if you have a lot of space to fill.
Select the right formatting
Formatting is very important when it comes to creating your hiring documents. It is important to take the time to check out different styles and review the merits of each one. Make sure you choose formatting that will display this honor in a natural way.
First and foremost, you need to make sure your hiring document is as easy to read as possible. You should use lowercase when writing out this honor. You can then format it in italics to make sure the eye is drawn to it in a natural way. However, you need to make sure that this is the only thing that is italicized in that section.
Decide whether or not to include your GPA
This type of honor is a good indication that you have scored a high GPA. However, in some cases, you may want to drive the point home by actually adding your GPA to your hiring document. This can be a real power move if your GPA was particularly high and you need to gain an edge.
The job description for an entry-level role may specify that a certain GPA is required by the recruiter. In this case, you definitely need to include your GPA on your hiring document. However, in most cases, it is not likely to be necessary to include the details of your GPA.
Tips For Displaying The Distinction
The trick to displaying this distinction is making it look as natural as possible. While it must not be overlooked, it should be clear that this is not the only thing you have to offer. Let’s check out some more tips on showcasing this honor in the right way.
Pay attention to the job description
Make sure you read the job description carefully when you create your hiring documents. Most job descriptions contain instructions for candidates on how to apply. There may be instructions on the exact way to create these documents and what they should include.
If the job description mentions that graduates with honors are given preferences, make sure you highlight the honor. In other cases, you may be asked to skip the education section altogether. In this case, you could highlight your distinction in your cover letter. Failing to follow the set instructions will show the hiring manager that you have not paid attention.
Don’t let it overshadow your other achievements
If you have other important achievements, you need to give them equal space on your application. If your academic honor is too strongly highlighted, your other achievements may be overlooked. This could make the hiring manager think that you don’t have anything else to offer.
Consider other places to list your honor
While your resume is the most common place to highlight this distinction, there are other places to mention it. You may find that it is more effective to highlight the honor in your personal summary. Alternatively, you could highlight this distinction in your cover letter when explaining why you are the right fit for the job.
Times When You Should Not Highlight The Honor
Generally speaking, any honors you have received will make you a stronger candidate. However, there are some circumstances where including this distinction could actually detract from your application. The last thing you want is for the hiring manager to think this is all you have to offer.
You may not want to feature the honor when:
- You didn’t actually gain the honor.
- Your current skills and experience are more impressive.
- You graduated more than three years ago.
- You are not required to supply education details.
More Advice On Creating Your Resume!
Check out this great selection of resume guides such as the Most Important Skills To Put On A Resume, How To List References On A Resume, the best Achievements To List On Your Resume, as well as How To Write A Letter of Interest, and Hobbies Interests To Put On Resume, to help you stand out from the crowd.
In addition, take a look at our Motivation Letter Writing Guide or how to list Job Titles On Resume, along with our How To Address A Cover Letter and How To List Education On A Resume in 2023.
Lastly, if you’re creating your first CV, you’ll need to know Does A Resume Need An Objective, How Long Should A Resume Be, and what is the difference between CV vs Resume, along with How Many Years You Should Go Back On A Resume and my Best Resume Format Guide.
How To List Cum Laude On A Resume – Final Thoughts
If you have recently graduated from college, it is a good idea to highlight this academic distinction. It will show hiring managers that you have made a special effort during your time in college. This honor shows that you have put the work in and are willing to make extra effort to achieve your dreams.
While this honor can make up for a lack of work experience, it is important to know when to use it. If you graduated from college a decade or more ago, it might be time to drop it from your document. Continuing to highlight this Latin honor may give the hiring manager the impression that you have failed to make fresh achievements.
All the best listing Cum Laude On Your Resume!