Why Your Degree Classification Matters on a Resume
A First Class Honours degree (often abbreviated as a 'First' or '1st') signifies an overall score of 70% or higher. In the context of a resume, where space is at a premium, this grade serves as a high-value keyword.
The Resume vs. CV Distinction
While a traditional academic CV might list every module you ever took, a resume focuses on competency. Including "First Class Honours" on a resume tells a recruiter:
- High Performance: You are in the top 30% of your cohort.
- Focus: You can prioritize tasks to achieve a specific goal (the grade).
- Intelligence: You possess strong analytical capabilities.
For fresh graduates, your degree is your "career anchor." It validates your potential before you have the work history to prove it.
Strategic Placement: Where Does It Go?
On a resume, you have less space than on a CV (typically 1-2 pages max). Placement must be ruthless and strategic.
1. The Professional Summary (The "Hook")
Your summary is the "elevator pitch" at the very top. Mentioning your classification here ensures it is read immediately, even if the recruiter doesn't scroll down.
- Example: "Ambitious Data Analyst and First Class Honours Mathematics graduate..."
2. The Education Section (The Evidence)
- Recent Graduates: On a resume, this should be at the top, directly under the summary. It is your strongest asset.
- Experienced Hires: Move this to the bottom. Your work history is now the "Lead Story," but your First Class degree remains a permanent "Supporting Actor" that validates your background.
Harvard Law School – Resume Action Verbs – Use these verbs to describe your academic projects dynamically.
Formatting for Impact: Resume Best Practices
Resumes are designed to be scanned, not read like a book. Clarity is vital.
The "Skimmable" Format
Do not bury the lead. Use bold text to highlight the grade.
University of Manchester | BSc (Hons) Computer Science
Classification: First Class Honours
(1st)
Relevant Skills: Python, Java, Agile Methodology.
The "Project-Based" Format (For Technical Resumes)
If you are applying for a technical role (Engineering, IT, Architecture), use your degree to highlight practical project work.
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, First Class Honours
- Final Year Project: Designed a sustainable bridge structure using CAD software (Awarded 82%).
- Key Competencies: Structural Analysis, Fluid Mechanics.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key. If you use "First Class Honours" in the summary, don't switch to "1st" in the body. If you are struggling to maintain a consistent voice, My Perfect Writing professional resume writers uk can polish your document to perfection.
Adapting Your Degree to the Job
One common mistake candidates make on their resumes is simply "listing" qualifications rather than adapting them to the job. A resume is not a history of your education, but a marketing document designed to showcase your value to employers.
The Relevance Filter
If you have a First Class degree in History but are applying for a Sales role, it's important to focus on transferable skills rather than specific academic subjects.
For example:
- Don't List: Medieval Europe modules.
- Do List: "Research & Analysis" skills, "Persuasive Writing" (from essays), and
"Presentation" (from seminars).
By transforming your academic achievements into relevant business skills, you speak the language of the hiring manager. This strategy is a core approach used by professional resume writing services—we turn academic theory into practical corporate value.
Real-World Resume Examples: Showcasing Your First Class Honours Effectively
Here’s how you can present your First Class Honours in different scenarios on your resume, depending on the job you're applying for.
Scenario 1: The Tech Resume (Skill-Heavy)
Objective: Demonstrate technical competence and practical application.
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering | University of
Bristol
Grade: First Class Honours
Dissertation: Developed a machine learning algorithm for predicting stock trends (Grade:
90%).
Tech Stack: C++, Python, SQL (Advanced)
Why It Works: This example highlights specific technical skills (programming languages and software) and gives a concrete example of a dissertation project that demonstrates problem-solving abilities. It appeals to employers in the tech industry who are focused on hands-on skills.
Scenario 2: The Corporate Graduate (Potential-Heavy)
Objective: Showcase leadership, intellectual achievements, and growth potential.
BA (Hons) Business Management, First Class Honours
Awards:
Dean’s List 2023 (Top 5% of students).
Leadership: President of the Business Society
(Managed £5k budget).
Why It Works: This example focuses on leadership roles and academic accolades, which are key to impressing employers in corporate sectors. Highlighting awards and responsibilities in leadership roles positions you as someone with growth potential, not just academic achievement.
Scenario 3: The International Application
Objective: Ensure clarity for non-UK employers who may not be familiar with the UK grading system.
LLB (Hons) Law – University of Leeds
First Class Honours (Equivalent to GPA
4.0)
Why It Works: For international applications, this example clarifies the UK grading system by equating First Class Honours to a GPA of 4.0, making it easier for employers unfamiliar with UK degrees to understand your academic success.
Why Choose My Perfect Writing for Your Resume?
Transforming academic success into a corporate-ready resume is a specific skill. You have the raw materials (the degree), but we have the architectural skills to build the career. Here is why candidates choose My Perfect Writing professional resume writing services online.
Free AI Detection & ATS Optimization
Modern recruitment relies on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). If your resume isn't optimized with the right keywords (like "Strategic Analysis" instead of just "History Degree"), it gets rejected. We guarantee 100% human-written content that is fully optimized to pass the bots.
Expert UK-Based Resume Writers
We understand the nuances of the British job market, but also the requirements of international "Resume" formats. Our professional resume writers uk know how to blend the detail of a UK degree with the punchiness of a US-style resume. We know that "First Class Honours" carries weight, and we position it so it pops off the page.
Unlimited Revisions for Perfection
Your satisfaction is paramount. We don't just send a file and disappear. We offer unlimited revisions until your resume matches your expectations and the job rubric perfectly.
Pay 25% Upfront for Resume Help
Get affordable resume writing services near me with transparent pricing — pay just 25% upfront. We write your resume. You review the draft. You see the quality. Only then do you pay the remaining balance. There are no hidden fees and no risk.
100% Confidential Support
Your career moves are your business. We operate with strict confidentiality protocols. Your data is secure and never shared with third parties.
Conclusion
Earning a First Class Honours degree is a life achievement that speaks volumes about your character and intellect. However, on a resume, it is only as powerful as its presentation. By formatting it clearly, translating modules into skills, and ensuring your document is ATS-friendly, you turn a line of text into a compelling reason to hire you.
Don't let poor formatting hide your brilliance. If you are unsure how to bridge the gap between academia and the corporate world, My Perfect Writing is here to help. With our unique payment model and expert professional resume writers uk, you can get a world-class resume without the risk.
You earned the First. Let us help you earn the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use "CV" or "Resume" in the UK?
In the UK, "CV" is the standard term. However, if you are applying to US tech giants (Google, Amazon) or startups in London, they often ask for a "Resume" (1 page). The content is similar, but the Resume is sharper. Our services cover both.
Can I round up a 2:1 to a First?
Never. This is "credential fraud." Background checks will catch it, and you will be blacklisted. Be proud of your 2:1; it is a strong grade. Focus on your specific module strengths instead.
How do I list a First Class degree for a US employer?
US employers use the GPA system. A UK First is roughly equivalent to a GPA of 4.0. You can write: First Class Honours (Approx. GPA 4.0) to help them understand your achievement.
Should I include my A-Levels on a Resume?
On a 1-page resume, usually no, unless they are exceptional (AAA) or you are a very recent school leaver. Space is too valuable; focus on your degree and projects instead.
What if I have a Master's too?
List them in reverse chronological order (Master's first, then Bachelor's). If you got a Distinction in your Master's and a First in your Bachelor's, you are in a very strong position—highlight both!
Meet Our Professional Essay Writers
Empowering Your Academic Writing Journey with Authority, Expertise, and Experience
Dr. Emma Wilson
PhD in Literature
Prof. James Chen
MSc in Computer Science
Dr. Sarah Ahmed
PhD in Law & Ethics
Ready to Work With Our Expert Writers?
