Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

I read your book, and it is very helpful. So much has been said about GPA and entry-level jobs. I am a senior without relevant experience in my major (CIS), and my CGPA is currently 3.96.

My first question is how important is GPA compared to experience in regards to entry level positions? secondly, do employers use your CGPA to estimate potential in the real world?

Finally, thanks so much for all the efforts you are putting in creating such an awareness as we prepare to steer our career in the best direction.

From: Timothy S, Senior, DeVry University


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

GPA is one of the ranking criteria used, but not to the exclusion of all else. In other words, I would prefer to hire someone with a lower GPA with work experience, rather than a high GPA with no work experience.

GPA is an indicator, but not a perfect one, of potential in the workplace. It has a high correlation, but there are still other factors. Specifically, one could do quite well in schooling without much human interaction (the proverbial "book worm"), but that same person may not function well in the workplace, lacking the necessary people skills.

So congrats to you on your high GPA. It will open doors for you that are closed to others. But you still need to take the steps to walk through the doors. All my best to you.

P.S. Your GPA (3.96/4.0) is one of the exceptions to the "round up" rule. Specifically, you can only list "4.0/4.0" if you truly had a perfect 4.0. Go ahead and list it as "3.96/4.0" (which also is contrary to the "tenths" rule, using "hundreths" instead). It will certainly provide the potential interviewer with an easy icebreaker question--"So what was the one class that kept you from your perfect 4.0?"

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All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.