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How much do job recruiters look at GPA as a determinent for hiring someone?

Are grades something I need to be stressing out about? i.e., if I were to get a C as a final grade in one of my major college classes, do I need to worry about it, or perhaps retake the class?

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Doc’s Answer

Jenna, some times employers consider your GPA, especially for entry-level positions and when screening a large pool of applicants. However, the importance of GPA diminishes as you gain more work experience. Because you may not have a considerable amount of relevant work experience, employers could use your GPA as an indicator of your ability to perform the job. They also look at your GPA in combination with the other relevant resume experiences, such as internships, volunteer activities or leadership roles. When your a fresh graduate with limited work experience, job recruiters often consider your GPA as a key factor, especially for positions in competitive fields like finance, consulting, and technology,

You should include your GPA on your resume if you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last three years) and your GPA is above 3.5. In some cases, employers may specifically ask applicants for their GPA, which means you need to include it no matter what it is. If you omit your GPA after being asked to include it, employers may have concerns that you did not read the directions carefully or assume that you did not want to display your GPA due to a low number. Once you have at least three to five years of professional work experience, you can take your GPA off your resume. At that point, you have demonstrable success performing in your field, and employers no longer need your GPA as an indicator of your work ethic.

Jenna, in most cases retaking a class will replace the original grade in your GPA calculation, but not necessarily on your transcript. The new grade will be used to calculate your GPA, and the old grade will either be removed or marked as a retake. Some institutions may have limits on the number of times a course can be retaken, or they may have specific policies regarding which courses can be retaken for grade replacement. Make sure you check with career counselor at your university.
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

When you graduate from college, most employers won't have prior knowledge of your background, so they often use your GPA as an initial screening tool. For industries like finance, consulting, and big tech, GPA plays a more significant role early on, especially when you're applying for your first job. After screening resumes based on GPA, employers typically conduct written tests and interviews to further assess candidates. Once you’ve passed these stages, your skills, experience, and potential to succeed in the role become the primary factors in hiring decisions.

While GPA is important early in your career, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. A single C, even in a major course, won’t necessarily derail your chances, especially if you’re demonstrating growth and gaining relevant experience. Focus on building a well-rounded profile through internships, projects, leadership roles, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities, as these experiences are highly valued by employers. You can also enhance your qualifications with online courses and certifications. Consider retaking a course if it significantly impacts your GPA (especially if it's below a 3.0) or if you struggled to understand the material—retaking it can help reinforce your knowledge.

Above all, remember that mental health and balance matter—employers value resilience and adaptability. Good luck!
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