3 answers
Alisha
Student
Fairfax, Virginia
30
Questions
Asked
643 views
What qualities make a fresh graduate stand out to employers?
How important is a student's GPA upon graduation? What can one do to increase the likelihood of getting hired?
#graduation #hiring #college #university
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3 answers
Dan Abittan
Sr. Software Engineer
1
Answer
Lakewood Township
Updated
Dan’s Answer
The answer is : Internships (even unpaid) and personal projects.
We are living in times where it's more about what you can do than what grades you have on paper.
Research an application for your dream job and try to get relevant experience in the qualifications required.
In order to stand out as an applicant you need something others don't have.
Relevant internships and personal projects can do just that.
That's how I ended up getting interviews with Google and Microsoft right out of college.
I couldn't believe how they didn't even ask me anything about grades and school..
They saw I had lots of relevant experience (personal projects and internships) in what they do and that's what made me stand out over others that only had the grades.
We are living in times where it's more about what you can do than what grades you have on paper.
Research an application for your dream job and try to get relevant experience in the qualifications required.
In order to stand out as an applicant you need something others don't have.
Relevant internships and personal projects can do just that.
That's how I ended up getting interviews with Google and Microsoft right out of college.
I couldn't believe how they didn't even ask me anything about grades and school..
They saw I had lots of relevant experience (personal projects and internships) in what they do and that's what made me stand out over others that only had the grades.
Jennifer Haden
Higher Education Consultant
123
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi, Alisha -
A high GPA, whether cumulative or in the major, can be an indicator to prospective employers that you have a deep mastery of the content you were exposed to in your undergraduate career. If you don't have the best GPAs, however, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be passed over if there are other tangible indicators that you would show that you would be an asset to the company/organization.
Depending on the nature of the work to which you're applying, employers often value the soft skills as much or more than the hard ones. Hard skills are those quantifiable skills that you would expect to learn in the classroom and demonstrate on exams. Soft skills are difficult to quantify such as leadership, communication, time management, work ethic, and attitude.
The GPA can be presented as valuable due to the high achievement of grades or the tenacity it took to overcome obstacles. The cover letter and resume in the initiall steps of finding employment tell a story; the interview provides background, context; and your actions once hired prove what you've indicated.
Although numbers can be good indicators, they are often not the whole story. So if you have done your best, given your all, and still fall short of your expectations and aptitudes, then be proud of your accomplishments, learn from your mistakes, and move forward in a positive manner!
My two cents: Numbers are just that - numbers. People aren't numbers - they are perfect in their imperfection. You'll find a good fit for your transition out of college into adulthood! Life is not a sprint; it's a marathon ....
Wishing you all the best --
college university gpa hiring
A high GPA, whether cumulative or in the major, can be an indicator to prospective employers that you have a deep mastery of the content you were exposed to in your undergraduate career. If you don't have the best GPAs, however, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be passed over if there are other tangible indicators that you would show that you would be an asset to the company/organization.
Depending on the nature of the work to which you're applying, employers often value the soft skills as much or more than the hard ones. Hard skills are those quantifiable skills that you would expect to learn in the classroom and demonstrate on exams. Soft skills are difficult to quantify such as leadership, communication, time management, work ethic, and attitude.
The GPA can be presented as valuable due to the high achievement of grades or the tenacity it took to overcome obstacles. The cover letter and resume in the initiall steps of finding employment tell a story; the interview provides background, context; and your actions once hired prove what you've indicated.
Although numbers can be good indicators, they are often not the whole story. So if you have done your best, given your all, and still fall short of your expectations and aptitudes, then be proud of your accomplishments, learn from your mistakes, and move forward in a positive manner!
My two cents: Numbers are just that - numbers. People aren't numbers - they are perfect in their imperfection. You'll find a good fit for your transition out of college into adulthood! Life is not a sprint; it's a marathon ....
Wishing you all the best --
college university gpa hiring
Steve Stoll
Talent Acquisition
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I would also say that outside of your studies additional projects and extracurriculars go a long way as well. GPA is only one piece of the puzzle. Recruiters want to see someone who takes initiative beyond just the classroom to expand their experiences in preparation for entering the workforce.