Crafting the perfect resume is no easy task—especially if you’re still in school and wondering how to handle your almost-there-but-not-quite-yet graduation date. Should you mention it? How should you list it? And can it help you land an internship or job before you even have your diploma in hand?
The good news is: Yes—including your expected graduation date on your resume can showcase your current progress and make you more appealing to recruiters.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why it’s a good idea, how to list it step-by-step, and share some bonus tips to help your resume shine.
What the expected graduation date is—and why it matters
An expected graduation date is the month and year you anticipate finishing your degree. It’s a way to communicate to employers where you are in your academic journey. (If you’re unsure about the exact date, it’s OK to estimate—just use the most realistic timeline you can.)
Adding your anticipated graduation date to your resume lets potential employers know two important things:
- You’re actively pursuing your education. This reassures them you’re building skills and gaining knowledge that will benefit their team.
- They can plan accordingly. Employers can gauge your availability for full-time work, internships, or other opportunities based on your timeline.
For example, if you're applying for an internship, your expected graduation date might make it clear that you’re eligible for their summer program. Or, if you’re applying for an entry-level role, it lets hiring managers know when you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.
How to write the expected graduation date on your resume
Including your expected graduation date on your resume is simpler than you think. If you have any questions along the way, don’t worry—we're here to guide you through it. Follow these steps to ensure it looks professional and polished.
- Add it to the education section. If you’re wondering where to put the expected graduation date on your resume, simply place it below your degree program and school name.
- Use clear wording and formatting. Write “Expected Graduation” or “Anticipated Graduation” followed by the month and year. For example: Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of California, Los Angeles. Expected Graduation: June 2025.
- Stick to consistent fonts. Keep the style simple, just like the rest of your resume. No need to make it bold or italicized unless that’s part of your design theme.
- Position it correctly. The education section should usually be below your contact information and professional summary.
- Avoid specific dates. Listing just the month and year is sufficient—e.g., Anticipated Graduation: May 2024.
Expected graduation date on resume: Examples of how to list it
Need to visualize it better? Here are some examples of how to put an expected graduation date in a resume:
Example #1: Simple format
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of Michigan
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Example #2: Including relevant coursework
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Stanford University
Expected Graduation: December 2025
Relevant Coursework: Machine Learning, Data Structures, Algorithms
Example #3: For advanced degrees
Education
Master of Business Administration
Harvard Business School
Anticipated Graduation: May 2026
Beyond the graduation date: Bonus tips to make your resume stand out
Your expected graduation date is just one part of your resume. Make sure the rest of your document also grabs attention. Here’s how:
- Highlight achievements. Mention scholarships, academic honors, or leadership roles.
- Tailor it for the role you’re interested in. If the job listing requires specific skills, include relevant coursework or projects. (Here’s how to read a job description the right way.)
- Don’t exaggerate. Be honest about your timeline to avoid misunderstandings.
- Make the most of your skills section. Not sure where to start? Here are nine skills you’ve already learned in college that employers love to see. Don’t forget to highlight certifications, software proficiencies, or languages.
Show what you’ve got
Adding your expected graduation date to your resume is a simple (and often mandatory) way to showcase your academic progress and career readiness. By presenting it clearly and aligning your resume with the job description, you’ll stand out as a proactive and well-prepared candidate. Whether you’re applying for internships, part-time jobs, or entry-level roles, this detail is a must to open doors to your next big opportunity.
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