Bridget
When applying for entry level jobs while still in college/ recent graduate, do employers care about GPA?
I work really hard and have a 4.0 GPA in college as a full time student, some kids that I talk to say that GPA doesn't matter in the real world. I am asking a professional, does a high GPA show for an excellent work ethic and intelligence? #management #resume #interviews #college-jobs #hiring #employment #first-job #resume-writing #job-application
7 answers
Alysa Hunton
Alysa’s Answer
Hi, Bridget,
I have to say that "some of the kids" you have spoken with are right. It 's great that you have high GPA, no doubt that will help you, but far more than that a prospective employer is looking for several other things that are critical to just about any job these days: how well you write and speak, for one. Communication skills are of utmost importance. If one is unable to construct a simple sentence and write a coherent e-mail, or leave a professional sounding voicemail, that will rule one out for a job right at the onset of the interview process, or from the cover letter and resume submission process.
Employers are also very much interested in how you will fit in with their corporate culture, too. So any extra-curricular activities are important, too, and the passion with which you have pursued them.
As someone who has had lots of jobs in many industries (publishing, healthcare, museum, social service agency, art gallery, etc.) I speak from experience!
Good luck to you. Sounds like you are already on your way.
Best,
Alysa
Carole Curtis
Carole’s Answer
In most cases if you are a recent graduate, the company that you send your resume to will definitely look for your GPA. So it is best if you put in on your resume, but don't fudge the grades as they may ask for your transcripts. If you have taken some classes that would be important for the job you want you can list those classes under education. You can also bring a copy of the curriculum of classes that you have taken in case they might want to see it during the interview and a copy of your transcripts.
Remember the GPA is only a small part of your resume. the first thing that interviewers do is glance at your qualifications when they receive your resume. If you get a chance to get an interview, that would mean that they thought that you might be qualified for the position that is open. The education that you have gotten is important but not always the item that gets you the interview, it could be qualifications or experience that they are looking for. The GPA is really very significant when you are interviewing for your first, maybe second job out of school. After that the experience you have and the qualifications that you offer is the most important along with your interviewing skills which are also very important. Will a high GPA show an excellent work ethic?? Not necessarily, but it might give you an advantage over an average GPA. Part of the work ethic is how well you do in school, but also is found by references from teachers, friends, bosses and managers that watch and see you everyday at your job. Some students have a great GPA 4.0, but in the work world they are not as successful. After you have a few more jobs on your resume, you don't need to put the GPA on it anymore.
So, again the GPA is only a small part of the resume and that is why the interviewing process has to be done. Don't misunderstand your GPA is great, and I commend for doing such a great job in keeping up your grade point. A grade point like you have will generally impress people and you will likely get an interview. There are several interviewing books that you can get at the library to help you with the interviewing process. One is called "The Job Search solution" It will help with some tougher questions that you might not have thought about.
the author is Tony Beshara.
Everything is important when it comes to the resume, but certain items stand out more than others depending on who is reading it and what they are looking for.
I wish you the best in your search for the right job and if you have other question please let me know.
Kimberly Iannarone, PHR
Kimberly’s Answer
As someone who thought GPA and standardized test schools would make or break my future, take it from me, it does not. However, I will say that this is not an opportunity to slack off in your work and risk lowering your GPA. It still does matter if you want to get into a good college for an undergrad or graduate degree. These degrees will lead you to landing the job of your dreams. My advice to you is to keep working hard and keep up that 4.0 GPA!
Howard Harrison
Howard’s Answer
If there are two candidate who score equally high on other areas of the interview, than potential employers may look to GPA of both candidates to help make a decision. In this case, the candidate with the higher GPA will most likely have the edge
Natalie Fein, MSeD, NCC, DCC
Natalie’s Answer
Hello Bridget,
Traditionally, you do not list your gpa on your resume if you have lower than a 3.0. Many employers do request a copy of your transcript before making an official offer for a job so a low gpa would not look great. A 4.0 represents a close to perfect record which is very rare to Most colleges will not allow you to graduate with less than a 2.0 (C). Anything above a 3.0 is a solid gpa. If you have failed courses or earned a D, you may want to consider retaking them as a future employer would see that you are taking responsibility for your gpa?
Good Luck!
Natalie
Simon Robson
Simon’s Answer
There are several steps in an interview process. As a student, GPA may help you with the initial screening, but anything over a 3.0 can do that. If you make it to the next step, a phone interview, what is important is; what elective cources you took, were you active in projects, hobbies, engineering clubs and internships. Don't underestimate written and oral skills as well as teamwork and clear/concise communication. Good luck.
