I’ll never forget standing in front of those judges, reciting a chapter from The Indian in the Cupboard after hours of practice. The result? A shiny “Best Speech” award that had teenage me beaming with pride. But here’s the thing: I was 15.
Fast forward 15 years, and that award means little in today’s professional world. Outdated or irrelevant honors don’t impress employers — they only distract from your current qualifications and work history. The key is to select awards highlighting skills directly tied to the job you want.
Keep reading to refine your approach to resume-worthy awards. This guide will show you:
- What to put in the awards section of your resume.
- Different resume award examples and descriptions.
- Where to add your awards with the right format.
Should You Include Awards On A Resume?
Yes, you can include awards on your resume, but they must follow the number one rule: they should be relevant to the role and add value to your application. The best awards reinforce skills tied to the role and aren’t so outdated that they’ve lost their shine.
Awards do more than just show your accomplishments — they reveal important soft skills like creativity, leadership, and problem-solving. If you’re new to the workforce, these traits can give you that extra boost and credibility when competing against candidates with similar degrees and backgrounds.
That said, don’t let awards steal the spotlight. Hiring managers will always care most about your skills and experience. Awards should complement your qualifications, not overshadow them. So if you don’t have any awards, don’t worry — your professional background and expertise should be the heart of your resume.
How To List Awards On A Resume?
In short:
Focus on those relevant to the job that reveal your skills or achievements. Include details like the award name, organization, and date, and consider adding context to highlight how you earned it. Prioritize recent and significant awards, such as performance recognitions or industry honors, while academic achievements can be useful for entry-level positions. Avoid cluttering your resume with too many awards — only list those that strengthen your narrative. Awards should complement your experience, not overshadow it, so make sure they align with the job you’re applying for.
Consider awards relevant to the job
If there’s one thing to remember about resume writing, it’s keeping everything relevant. While your mom might still treasure your high school soccer trophies, they have no place on a resume for an IT position. But the coding award from college? That could make a recruiter pause — especially if you’re just breaking into the field.
Ask yourself if the award aligns with the industry and the job you’re applying for. Does it highlight skills or achievements that make you a strong candidate for this role? If not, let it go. Less is more when it comes to awards, and cluttering your resume with minor wins can overshadow the achievements that really count.
Remember, your resume is a glimpse into why you’re qualified for a specific position. Including awards that reveal your expertise, dedication, or accomplishments can help reinforce your suitability for the role.
And tread carefully with personal or belief-based honors, like religious or political awards. While they might be important to you, they won’t always strike the same chord with employers. Focus on recognitions that are universally respected or directly tied to the role.
Learn more about aligning your resume with the job listing: 5 Hacks to Tailor Your Resume to a Job
Include the correct information
A 2023 survey found 7 in 10 workers have lied on their resumes, with 37% admitting they lie frequently. And it makes sense — recruiters don’t have time to check every little detail. So how do you stand out as one of the honest ones? By adding credibility to your awards with the right details.
Start with the basics:
- Name of the award
- Organization or institution
- The date you received the award
If the award’s name isn’t self-explanatory, include a short explanation. A one-line bullet point should be enough for you to briefly describe what the award represents and how you earned it.
Adding the year or period when you received the award helps employers understand when these achievements happened and how they fit into your career story. But that can also work against you. Including an award from ten years ago probably won’t work the same magic.
Here’s how to structure an award in your resume:
Outstanding Team Leadership Award–Fire Inc. (June 2024)
• Recognized for leading a cross-departmental team that delivered a $1.5M project two months ahead of schedule, increasing customer satisfaction by 20%.
Mention details for context
When listing awards on your resume, adding context helps recruiters understand the significance of your achievement. But don’t go overboard — you don’t want to take attention away from more important resume sections.
Don’t assume the IT recruiter knows about your Minecraft scholarship (yes, that’s a thing). A short line or two can provide just enough explanation to describe the purpose of the award. Think about what the award recognizes, and why was it given to you?
If the award is tied to a specific project or accomplishment, focus on the impact of your actions. Did you improve processes, exceed goals, or contribute to a major success? By linking the award to your contributions, you’re proving your work delivers tangible results.
This is how to add context to your resume award:
Excellence in Project Management Award–DEF Organization (March 2024)
• Recognized for leading a team of 15 to successfully deliver a software implementation project two weeks ahead of schedule.
Find out more: How To Describe Resume Achievements
Add measurable results
Saying you won Employee of the Month? I guess I’ll take your word for it. But telling me you won Employee of the Month five times for exceeding sales targets by 20%? Now we’re talking. That kind of detail sounds more credible and helps to give a clear picture of the value you could bring to your new role.
Numbers make your achievements stand out in a way that vague claims simply can’t. Think about when you were recognized for your work. Did your efforts save time, boost revenue, or streamline a process? Including those specifics will help paint a vivid picture of your success.
And don’t forget to set the time frame for your accomplishments. For example, if you increased revenue or reduced costs, mention how quickly it happened. This helps employers understand the scope of your contributions. Whether it’s percentages, dollar amounts, or other measurable results, they make your claims easier to visualize and more impactful.
Here’s how to quantify your rewards:
Top Sales Performer Award–Six Corporation (2023)
• Achieved a 35% increase in quarterly sales, generating an additional $500,000 in revenue for the company within six months.
Weave in key phrases and action words
Your resume tells your story — and like any great story, the words you choose make a difference. Want to hook a recruiter’s attention? Use relevant resume keywords from the job description and strong action verbs like “earned,” “achieved,” “recognized for,” or “awarded” to emphasize your accomplishments.
Start by studying the job ad for keywords. Look for specific skills or requirements the employer is looking for, such as leadership, communication, teamwork, or technical skills. If your award demonstrates one of these traits, weave that into your description.
Here’s how to pack a punch with action words:
Leadership Excellence Award–GHI Company (2023)
• Achieved recognition for leading a team that improved supply chain efficiency, aligning directly with company goals of cost reduction and operational improvement.
What Kind Of Awards To Put On Your Resume?
Awards come in all shapes and sizes, from high school sports trophies to college scholarships to “Employee of the Month.” They’re proof that someone noticed your hard work — but let’s not turn your resume into a trophy shelf. As you transition from school to the professional world, the awards worth highlighting will shift too.
Let’s break down the different types of resume awards and how to include them in your job application.
High school awards
High school awards can work well for first-time jobseekers or students entering the workforce, as they reveal your early achievements and soft skills. But once you’ve got a few years of work experience, or you’re well into college, it’s time to retire those high school accolades. Focus instead on recent achievements that better reflect who you are now as a professional.
Example:
Outstanding Leadership Award–Rosewood High School (June 2024)
• Recognized for organizing school-wide events and leading the student council to implement community service initiatives.
College honors and awards
College honors like being on the Dean’s List or receiving a Student of the Year award show your dedication and discipline. They’re especially valuable on entry-level resumes when you may lack extensive work experience but want to show your skills through academic achievements.
That said, tread carefully with older accolades from college and school. A Dean’s List mention from ten years ago might feel like you’re stretching to fill space. Stick to recent or truly prestigious honors to keep things fresh and relevant.
Example:
Dean’s List–University of California (Spring 2023–Fall 2024)
• Recognized for maintaining a GPA of 3.9 or higher while completing coursework in English Literature.
Need some resume inspiration? Take a look: The Best Student Resume Examples
Scholarships and valedictorians
Scholarships and valedictorian honors show your commitment and goal-oriented mindset. If your scholarship came with stiff competition, mentioning how many applicants went for it or why you were selected can add extra weight to your achievement. These awards fit well in the education section of your resume, especially for recent graduates.
Example:
Merit Scholarship–University of Michigan (2023)
• Awarded to the top 5% of applicants based on academic excellence and community leadership.
Planning to stay in education or research? Find out more: How to Write an Academic CV
Sports awards
Athletic awards reveal teamwork, leadership, and grit — qualities every employer values. They’re especially impactful on entry-level resumes or when you’re aiming for work in sports, fitness, or education. But know your audience. Winning MVP for your weekend soccer league? Great for bragging rights, but it won’t wow a corporate recruiter. Stick to notable or career-relevant sporting achievements.
Example:
Team Captain–University Basketball Team (2022–2023)
• Led a team of 12 players to win the regional championship and was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) for consistent performance while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Performance awards
Performance awards, like “Employee of the Month” or “Salesperson of the Year,” are proof of your consistent excellence and ability to deliver results. They tell recruiters you’re a valuable contributor who drives success. For more impact, pair them with specific accomplishments. Did you shatter sales records or provide top customer service? Highlight measurable outcomes to really show off your abilities.
Example:
Highest Sales Achiever–Solutions Inc. (March 2023)
• Exceeded annual sales targets by 30%, generating $50,000 in additional revenue for the company.
Industry awards
Industry awards show your efforts are making waves beyond your own company. They tell hiring managers you’re great at what you do and have been recognized as a top performer in your field. Focus on recent accolades from reputable organizations, like making a “Top 30 Under 30” list or being named “Entrepreneur of the Year” to stand out.
Example:
Top Innovator 2023–Marketing Professionals Association
• Recognized for leading a national campaign that increased client engagement by 50%, earning accolades across the industry.
Community service awards
Community service and volunteer awards prove you’re not just about the daily grind — you’re someone who uses your skills to make an impact (and you’re a pretty decent human, too). Have you been rewarded for your work with nonprofits, education, or roles that value social responsibility? Recruiters will see you genuinely care about making a difference, not just clocking in hours.
Example:
Volunteer of the Year, Habitat for Humanity (2024)
• Coordinated a team of 20 volunteers to complete six housing projects, providing affordable homes to underserved families.
Military awards
Military honors awards are proof you’ve gone above and beyond under pressure. You can include these awards for military roles, and also in civilian positions where employers value transferable skills like conflict resolution, teamwork, or technical expertise. Just make sure you keep these skills and accomplishments relevant to the position and company.
Example:
Silver Star Medal (2023)
• Awarded for demonstrating extraordinary leadership under high-pressure conditions. Recognized for actions that significantly contributed to mission success and the safety of fellow service members.
Certifications
Certifications validate specific, job-relevant skills, making them essential for technical, creative, or specialized roles. Including certifications like coding bootcamp awards, design competition wins, or technical credentials show you’re serious about your craft and committed to continuous growth.
Example:
Certified Scrum Master–CSM (November 2024)
• Earned certification to lead Agile projects, enhancing team collaboration and project delivery timelines.
Find out how to make yourself more credible: How To Add Certifications To Your Resume
Where To Put Awards On Resume?
Your awards should enhance your resume, not distract from your work experiences and qualifications. Creating a dedicated “Awards” section for just two college accolades? That’s wasted space. Instead, weave them into your “Education” or other relevant sections where they can support your skills.
Let’s break down which types of awards belong in different sections to maximize their impact.
Work experience
Is your award tied to a professional achievement? Connecting accolades directly to your job roles shows hiring managers how your efforts translate to measurable success. Place awards under the job title or company in your resume work experience section, then use a brief bullet point to explain how you earned it with any impressive numbers or percentages.
Here are some examples of professional awards to include:
- Employee of the Month
- Best Team Collaboration
- Safety Excellence Award
- Innovative Solutions Award
- Top Customer Service Performer
Take a look at how you can weave an award into your work experience section:
Sales Representative — Roads Corporation
January 2023–Present
• Earned the “Top Salesperson of the Year” award for exceeding annual revenue targets by 35%.
• Built and maintained relationships with 150+ key clients, achieving a 25% increase in repeat business.
• Provided mentorship to junior sales representatives, leading to improvements in their performance metrics.
Education section
If your work history feels light, adding awards to your education section is a great way to beef up your resume. Academic awards show your dedication and highlight soft skills like discipline, work ethic, and specialized knowledge. They are especially valuable for entry-level job seekers or those looking to emphasize their academic background.
Check out these examples of educational awards:
- Dean’s List
- Valedictorian
- Student of the Year
- Best Research Paper
- Scholarship Recipient
Here’s how to include awards in your education section:
University of Texas | Bachelor of Science in Marketing
• Received “Scholarship for Academic Excellence” after scoring in the top 5% of the class.
• Awarded “Dean’s List” recognition for two consecutive years, reflecting top academic performance.
Learn more about including your educational background: How to List Your Education Section On a Resume
Awards section
If you’re lucky enough to have more than a few awards under your belt, give them their own dedicated section on your resume under “Awards”. Just make sure every award adds to your career story and ties into the job you’re targeting. Irrelevant or outdated accolades can distract from your professional background, so keep it focused and aligned with your career goals.
Here are some awards you can include:
- Best Innovator
- Leadership Award
- Volunteer of the Year
- Outstanding Achievement
Here’s how to add your accolades to your awards section:
Community Leadership Award — City of Springfield (2024)
• Recognized for leading a neighborhood revitalization project that improved public spaces and encouraged community engagement.
Volunteer Excellence Award — Habitat for Humanity (2023)
• Honored for organizing and leading a team of 50+ volunteers in building housing for underserved communities.
Summary or objective
Your resume summary is the first few lines at the start of the page highlighting your expertise and key strengths. A resume objective does something similar but leans into your career goals and growth potential. What do they have in common? Both are designed to grab a recruiter’s attention. One of the best ways to do that? Name-drop an award that shows you’re not just talented but recognized for it.
Here are some awards you can mention in your summary or objective:
- Top 30 Under 30
- Employee of the Year
- Best Young Professional
- Outstanding Contributor
See how this resume summary mentions an award to make a solid first impression:
Driven marketing professional with over five years of experience in digital strategy, awarded “Top 30 Under 30” by the National Marketing Association for innovative campaign successes and leadership in the field.
Need help to get started? Our Rezi AI Resume Summary Generator will use your details to deliver a concise and personalized summary in seconds.
How To Format Awards On Resume?
Here’s how to format awards on your resume to keep things professional and easy to read:
- Details: Include the award name, the organization that gave it, and the date you received it. Use bold or italics to make them stand out subtly.
- Bullet points: Add a single bullet point for each award to explain its significance or measurable outcomes.
- Font: Stick to professional resume fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica. Avoid anything overly stylized or dated (think twice about those serif fonts). Use 10–12 pt for text and 14–16 pt for headings.
- Margins: Keep margins at 1 inch. If space is tight, you can reduce them slightly (but never go below 0.5 inches).
- Spacing: Use single or 1.15 spacing for text and 1.5–2.0 spacing between sections to keep everything easy to read.
- Length: Your awards section should support your resume without overshadowing it. Your aim is to fit everything on one page, so keep your award details concise.
Find out more about how to frame your details: The Best Resume Format
Summary
Here’s an overview of what to remember when including awards on your resume:
- Only include awards that align with the job or industry you’re targeting. Irrelevant or outdated achievements can distract from your qualifications and work history.
- Add awards to your work experience, education, or a dedicated section, depending on where they best fit your resume’s flow.
- Start with the award name, the organization that gave it, and the date received. Add a bullet point with a brief description to explain the award’s significance.
- Include measurable outcomes or achievements when possible, like exceeding targets or leading successful projects for more impact.
- Choose professional resume fonts, consistent spacing, and bold headings to make your awards easy to scan without overwhelming the page.
- Prioritize quality over quantity. It’s better to feature a few meaningful awards than to clutter your resume with every small recognition.
- Stay truthful about your achievements. Recruiters can spot inflated claims, which could hurt your credibility.
FAQ
What to put instead of awards on a resume?
If you don’t have awards to list, focus on other achievements that show your value. For example, you can highlight accomplishments like exceeding goals, completing significant projects, or earning positive performance reviews.
You can also list relevant certifications, specialized training, or any leadership roles you’ve held. Including measurable results can be just as impressive as an award, especially if it ties directly to the skills required for the job.
What types of awards to put on your resume?
Put awards that reflect skills or achievements relevant to the job you’re applying for. Academic awards (like Dean’s List or scholarships) are great for entry-level positions. Industry-specific honors or performance-based awards (such as “Top Salesperson of the Year”) show you excel in your field. Just ensure each award contributes to your overall career narrative.
Should you put employee of the month on a resume?
Yes, if it’s recent and highlights key skills or accomplishments. Being named Employee of the Month can show consistency, leadership, or the ability to excel under pressure. To make it stand out, mention what you did to earn the recognition (e.g., exceeding sales targets, exceptional customer service). But if it’s from a while ago, consider leaving it off unless it’s still relevant to your current job goals.
Where to put fellowships on a resume?
Fellowships can be listed under “Education” if they were academic or research-based, or “Professional Experience” if they are industry-related. You can also create a separate section called “Awards & Honors” if you have multiple fellowships or prestigious recognitions. Make sure to include the title, organization, and dates.
How do you list honors on a resume?
List honors under the relevant section, usually “Education” or “Awards & Honors.” Include the name of the honor, the awarding organization, and the date received. If it’s an academic honor, briefly explain its significance if it’s not immediately clear. Keep it concise, and only include honors that add value to your application.
