High School Diploma vs. GED

Karen writes:

I was offered a job that requires a high school/GED for the job. I put on my application that I went to high school and graduated. I have A.A.S in computer science and a GED. I was told that the GED is equivalent to a high-school diploma, so I listed it that way. They want to see a high-school diploma. I also got the date wrong of it by a year. I thought it was ‘87 but it was ‘88. I don’t want them to think I lied on the application. What should I do?

The Career Doctor responds:

I recommend making a copy of your GED certificate — along with your AAS degree — and submitting it to the employer. In a cover letter, make note that you consider, as do many, the GED equivalent to a high school diploma, and that you mistakingly listed the wrong date on the application. Don’t dwell on it. Make it matter-of-fact.

Also in the letter, you should again summarize/highlight the key characteristics that make you an ideal candidate for the job.

If the employer balks, you did not want to work there anyway. I still can’t figure out why they even want to see a copy of the diploma — especially from so long ago. Odd.

Footnote: Coincidentally, an article appeared today on ERE.net that notes that requiring a high-school diploma may be discriminatory.