Question:
How would I word this on a CV/resume?
anonymous
2010-05-20 07:03:14 UTC
I have not managed to complete my final third year of university due to ill-health and stress-related issues. As recognition for the two years work I did do, I am being awarded a "fall-back degree" without honours, which is just a nod to the decent marks I did get and is supposed to help me in interviews/job-searching. Basically its just proof that while I have had a lot of trouble completing my studies, it isn't down to laziness. I do have the option to return to university when the circumstances are right to fully complete my degree (which is the plan at some point).

I was just wondering how you would word my situation on a CV. I am worried potential employers would not understand. I need to show people that just because I have not yet been awarded a full degree, it does not mean I'm less capable than anyone else.
Seven answers:
?
2010-05-20 07:13:23 UTC
When you list your qualifications, I would take an approach like this:



Degree Name, Fall-Back Degree awarded.

Due to ill-health I was unable to complete the degree. However, in recognition of the high standard of my work throughout the remainder of my degree I was awarded a fall-back degree. The university has also stated that I am welcome to return to complete the degree at some future date.



I would also be inclined to highlight this fact on your covering letter, with a simple paragraph. E.g.



I have recently attended [university] where I studied [subject]. Unfortunately, due to ill health, I was unable to complete the final year of my degree. Due to my continued hard work and excellent results throughout the rest of my time at [university], the university decided to award me a fall-back degree. I am also welcome to complete my final year at a later date.
debszta
2010-05-20 07:16:56 UTC
If you have the degree then why not just list it without stating the honours part? Then when it comes time to have an interview explain it to them at the time... saying something like "unforseen circumstances held up the completion of this degree but I am currently in the process of rectifying this and looking into repeating studies to gain honours" If you must say ill health do so, but DO NOT say anything about stress related because it makes you look like you wont be able to cut it... nobody wants to employ someone who they think wont cope but sickness is unavoidable. Likewise dont go on and on about that either but make out your fine now and totally over it or else you may look like a liability. Sorry I hope that helps... if not try googling for ideas on how to word 'uncompleted' things on resumes that might look bad. Sorry Im tired and usually am much better with words. Hope this helps even a little...
Em
2010-05-20 07:09:17 UTC
How about something along the lines of " I have been awarded a Fall-Back Degree which I obtained for consistant good marks in the degree of my choosing. However, due to personal circumstances, I was not able to complete the full course. Due to the good standard of my work I have obtained this part qualification, and have set myself the goal of continuing on with the degree in the future"... fill in the odd bits depending on what you're studying. I know the feeling, was in a similar situation, but never received the credit!
Professional CV
2010-05-20 10:11:58 UTC
You have three issues to address in any CV your create or any job application you undertake:

- what did you do for three years

- the level of claim you can make around the qualification, and further study period

- your health



Let us address the last issue first. Is your health stable now? It doesn't need to be perfect, just stable, which in an employers view means a predictable turn up to work rate and achievement capability. Go and see your Doctor and ask them to assess you for fitness to work - that's different from being able to attend university. Ask your doctor to advise you in writing of what work you are presently capable of, and which jobs you should not be applying for. Its important that you get this guidance, as if you apply for any job and are found to have a known health condition, but stay within the doctors guidelines, then you can't be excluded from the selection process or sacked later for this issue. If the employer asks for a health reference, the Doctor will include a copy of their written advice to you.



Now, what did you do for three years, or at least how do you communicate this in your CV? Always in CV writing, focus on the positive and what the employer wants. No need to raise or address, let alone explain the negative. So I would concentrate on the fact that you gained a degree IF that's what the university call it. You must check that, as many call a "fall back degree" what is certified as an HND, and that's what you claim on the CV. The issue here is honesty and backup, as you have to assume the employer will check with the university what you gained: so always be honest.



Lastly, the level of claim and further study; I have covered level of claim above. Remember that many employers use day release these days to advance those who came straight to them from college and existing employees, so part-qualifications are not unusual. Most employers won't worry about additional study, as long as you don't expect to get paid for study leave, at least initially.



Finally, lets talk about finding and applying for jobs. The employers view of your degree wholly depends on what industry/market you are applying for, as to how relevant they see any certified study you have completed. Employment is about relevance and suitability, not necessarily level of qualification. For instance, lets say you were looking to go into journalism, then your course work and writing capability would be as of much interest as the actual degree: do you have a portfolio? Where as a commercial employer looking for an office worker would be more interested in level of certification and attendance record, as it shows application of time and effort.



In summary, you need to ensure you play to your strengths inside the work scope the doctor agrees. Choose wisely and you can get employed as easily as others, choose poorly and you will always be digging yourself into a hole at some point in the job application process.



Hope that helps - Good Luck!
Addison S
2010-05-20 13:01:04 UTC
If you have a degree - or any alternative qualification - then you'll already be in front of of the crowd when it comes to searching for professions. My mate has a degree and he wasn't sure what direction to go with it, but he discovered some good tips on the site in the resource box below which helped him to settle that he wanted to be a lab assistant. There is loads of assistance on the site regarding alternative professions.
anonymous
2010-05-20 07:07:13 UTC
Such & Such Degree - to be completed x.x.2011



once you get the job it won't really matter... it'll look good on paper that you plan to finish it
anonymous
2016-04-12 15:49:38 UTC
this has been answered in 10000000000000000000 occasions, please see some resolved questions


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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