CV Help - include incomplete Qualifications?

[l_h_kings]

I have been employed at the same company for 7 years, it is my first 'real' job and I am considering moving on.

Before I worked there I started an HND but left after the 1st semester due mainly to financial reasons.

I only completed 3 units but got good grades in them

Should I include them on my CV?

I have genuine reasons for not completeing the course and would really like to be able to afford to go back to complete it one day.

As I only completed 3 modules I'm quite tempted to leave it off my CV altogether, but if asked why I initially moved to the area I would like to be honest and say it was because I started a Uni course here. Then wouldn't they wonder why it wasn't included on my CV? I have nothing to hide.

I think the 7 years experience I have are my main assets rather than the 3 HND modules. I also have an Advanced GNVQ and good GSCE's which I think are more than adequate for the type of job I will be applying for.

Include or not include?

Thanks

[Steve_Luts]

Hi,

Unless it is bringing something crucial to your application, I would leave it out.

I did a vocational HND then converted to a Degree; nothing I learned on the entire course helps me now, ten years on, on a day to day basis, although I wouldn't change the fun times I had in getting my degree for the world. Its unfortunate that you had to leave the course, but you've got a good reason, so adding it to your CV is just adding a negative rather than a positive. Having notched 7 years in a first job makes it obvious that you are not some kind of fly-by-night job hopper, so just concentrate on your detailed experience - any employer worth their salt is more interested in your day to day abilities at your job, rather than the fact you had to leave a course seven years ago.

I'm not suggesting you lie, but "3 months travelling" often appears on the CV's of people I employ, I know its there to possibly cover an otherwise inexplicable gap, but as long as its not too far fetched nobody is the wiser. Just make sure you know the place in question, if taking this tack!

You sound a very honest person - probably someone who worries too much about this kind of thing, whilst the rest of the world turns a blind eye. Don't get me wrong, that's an admirable quality, but can sometimes do you a disservice in the competitive jungle of the job market.

Good luck, hope you do well.

[vicars]

I would agree that if the modules are relevant then include them but qualifications that are not complete mean little and they will not want to look at your coursework to make sure you are correct. Leave it out. It will not get you the job - this will be based on who you are and what experience you have and what qualities you are bringing to the company.

[joko]

you could write "experience of a hnd course, completing 3 modules" if an employer is curious they will ask why you left. most employers are clever enough to know there are many reasons people leave courses.

to be honest though after 7 years i doubt they will even notice that the dates don't add up