What is your highest level of education?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
What to Avoid
Straightforward: Example
Equivalent Experience: Example

This is a "check the box" question. There is no deeper meaning to this question. The company may have a certain level of education required for employment or the specific role, but it's more likely that they are gathering information on your background.

Answer this question honestly and briefly. Unless you have achieved a post-graduate degree in your specific career or area, your level of education is unlikely to significantly impact the hiring decision. Be brief in your answer so that the interviewer can move on to questions that may allow you to better demonstrate your experience.

If you are currently in school or a certificate program, be sure to tell the interviewer when you expect to graduate or earn your degree!

Avoid providing the interviewer with information about WHY you achieved this level of education. Though it's common to feel like you need to provide background into the circumstances of why you did not complete a degree, you don't. If you want to provide more information, tell the interviewer what specific work experience has taught you the skills you may have otherwise learned in a traditional school.

"I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia."

"I earned my G.E.D. in 2019."

"I will finish my A.A. this spring!"

"Though I did not complete my degree, I have learned so much in the four years I have been Office Manager at ABC Company and XYZ Company. I have learned how to handle difficult customer complaints on the fly, create intricate spreadsheets in excel, manage calendars, and conduct monthly bookkeeping!"