If you are in a quandary about whether to include your GPA on your resume, take note of this astute perspective.
If you are just finishing college, or conducting a job search in an effort to find your dream job in a new field…
…you are likely getting some experience with resumes and interviews… maybe more than you would prefer.
It may seem like a task. But putting some time and effort into writing effective resumes and honing your interview skills should be the keystone of your job search strategy.
Well-executed resumes and interviews arguably become even more important when you are fresh on the scene, and possibly lacking experience or connections in your field. This applies if you are entering a new field of work or building a new career path as well.
A question that arises in such circumstances is whether or not to include your GPA on your resume.
My recommendation is NOT to do this.
This may seem odd after being in an environment where your GPA is such a critical detail for four or more years.
My reasoning for this perspective is simply that including your GPA makes it glaringly obvious that you have recently graduated.
If a prospective employer asks for your GPA, of course, give it to them.
As it turns out, most employers are more interested in a few other key factors, such as:
- Are you a good fit in their company?
- Do you have the skills they are looking for?
- Do you have the personality they are looking for?
- Do you have work values that mesh with those of their company?
- Are you knowledgeable about their company, products, services, etc.?
The answers to these questions rarely have anything to do with your GPA.
As a matter of fact, a perfect GPA does not necessarily guarantee that you are right for the position.
Hiring managers are looking for the right person for the job, not the smartest person.
Your value is more revealed in your confidence and the qualities that make you an asset to the company than it is in your GPA.