Employability
2 min read
What To Do If You Are Still in School and Applying for Jobs
Many students apply for jobs before finishing school. This is normal, and employers expect it. The important part is knowing how to list your current program on your resume the right way.
Yes, you should list your current program
Employers want to see what you are studying, even if you are not finished yet. It shows effort, skill development, and future potential. It can also help you stand out from applicants with no training or education.
How to write it on your resume
Include the name of your program, your school, and your expected graduation date. You do not need the exact day. A month and year are enough.
Example:
Home Inspection Diploma (In progress)
North American Trades School, London, ON
Expected graduation: June 2026
or
Electrical Techniques Certificate
Fanshawe College, London, ON
Currently enrolled, completion expected: April 2026
If you are early in your program
You can write:
- “Currently enrolled”
- “In progress”
- “Started September 2025”
Employers understand that many students are new to their field. What matters is that you are learning skills.
Add relevant courses or skills
If the job is related to your studies, list a few skills or topics under your education section:
- Safety procedures and PPE
- Basic wiring or circuits
- Power and hand tools
- Blueprint reading
- Customer service
- Computer skills
Keep it short and simple.
If you paused school and plan to return
You can still list it clearly:
Welding Techniques Diploma (paused, returning January 2026)
Lambton College, Sarnia, ON
This shows honesty and a clear plan.
Write Like a Pro
Do not wait until graduation to start your job search. List your program, your school, and your expected finish date. Keep the language simple and clear. Employers want to see that you are learning real skills and taking your future seriously. A clean resume and confident wording can make a strong impression, even if you are still a student.
Get started on your job search with great resumes.
About the Author
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We build career tools informed by years working in workforce development, employability programs, and education technology. We work with training providers and workforce organizations to create practical tools for employment and retraining programs—combining labor market insights with real-world application to support effective career development. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Questions or Need Support?
If you are working on employability programs, hiring strategy, career education, or workforce outcomes and want practical guidance, you are in the right place.
Yotru supports individuals and organizations navigating real hiring systems. That includes resumes and ATS screening, career readiness, program design, evidence collection, and alignment with employer expectations. We work across education, training, public sector, and industry to turn guidance into outcomes that actually hold up in practice.
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