Your resume is the first thing that employers look at once you submit your application. It not only creates a first impression but speaks volumes about your work experience, education, skills, and qualifications. Creating a resume takes effort, and an ideal resume can only be made if you give it time and are aware of the different elements it should include. It is essential to jot down all your professional achievements from your education to the very last company you have worked at. Sometimes, including everything can get tricky. You may get confused between the crucial elements and ones that can be left out. For example, a debate on whether it is good to mention the Grade Point Averages (GPA) is widespread for most people. Should I put GPA on My Resume?
In the simplest of terms, yes, you should mention GPA on your resume. While there lie some rare exceptions, it is mainly advised to put GPA in the education section of the resume. Be it of any value to you or not, your Grade Point Average is relevant information. If it is not on the resume for any reason, it makes the employers question why you may not have mentioned it. Companies today are looking for candidates that are hardworking and competitive. Including the GPA might help you prove that for yourself. Discussed below are a few of the main reasons why mentioning the GPA will be of advantage and benefit to you –
- High GPA score
This is an added advantage for you. Your resume will be the first thing that will tell the employers about your professional work ethics, and including a high GPA will help you get in their good books. In addition, they will know you have been dedicated and committed to any work that comes your way, even during your schooling years.
- Provides your Resume with a kick start
GPA is one of the most common elements in a resume but also the most important. It is just a grade score, and the employers understand so much about your work ethic. There is no need for an explanation or any follow-up questions when it comes to the GPA. You just mention it in your resume and get a great good impression!
- Applying for jobs during school/college
When you have just started searching for jobs and applying in multiple places, it is clear that you do not have much proven practical work experience. Therefore, including your GPA during this period and letting it talk for yourself is a good idea.
- Do not have an acquired Latin Honors Title.
Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude are Latin Honor Titles and symbolize an already high GPA. Therefore, if you already have this title, there is no need to mention your GPA. However, if you have not acquired this title, putting your GPA in the resume is the only way for employers to know that your work is essential.
What are the Best Ways of Putting GPA on your Resume?
Even though there is no best way of mentioning GPA on your resume, a few tips and ways are relevant and should be used. Even resumes have several guidelines that should be followed to make them look organized, and a lot of hard work has been put into its creation. Here are a few pointers you can keep in mind while making GPA a part of your resume-
- Be Honest – Lying on your resume is a big no. Even if you end up mentioning a higher GPA than you have, there is a chance the employers will double-check with your transcript and realize you have put false information on your resume. Your application and selection process will be there and then be canceled.
- Follow the Basic Format – Keep it short and simple. Make sure your resume only mentions the critical details, and no achievements have been left out. For your GPA, the format is always the same. After the GPA abbreviation, there is a colon and then your GPA in numbers.
- Mention it in your Education Section – Making your GPA a part of your awards section is wrong. Since it has been achieved through education and schooling, put it on top of the education section.
- Put in Major GPA if Overall GPA is Low – Instead of debating which GPA to include, put your major GPA even if it is average. If both of them are high or average, simply include both to avoid confusion and ensure clarity.
Examples on How to Mention GPA in your Resume
Now that it is clear how important including the GPA on your resume is, it is also essential to know the right format and the correct way to mention it. There is no one way to include your GPA; you can choose any way that suits you best. However, make sure that it is not included somewhere irrelevant and, as a result, loses its significance and value. Here are a few examples you can refer to while preparing your resume-
Example 1 – This uses your major GPA. It starts with the name of your university, followed by the degree you have earned and then the GPA.
Washington University, Bachelors of Journalism and Mass Communication, GPA: 3.75
Example 2 – This one is the simplest and the most common. Include this in the education section of the resume and keep it basic. It comes along with your other educational qualifications and co-curricular.
GPA: 4.0
Example 3 – This style is the most relevant for individuals who have recently graduated and are looking for job positions. Just mention the name of your high school and use the basic format of stating your GPA
Washington University, GPA: 3.25
Example 4 – This one is scarce since it includes your honor title as well. It is up to you whether you want to include your GPA with your Latin Honor Title or not. It will not make much of a difference.
Washington University, Bachelors of Journalism and Mass Communication, Magna Cum Laude, GPA:4.0
Keep in mind that it is not advised to have a GPA on your resume for all of your career. Once you have established your name in the respective industry and have proven work experience of 3 to 4 years, you are free to remove the GPA. Pay attention to whether you want to include your overall or major GPA. This will depend on the kind of student and whether you excelled in every subject or just the selective ones. To sum it up, when it comes to recruitment, your resume is your best asset, and it is completely worth it to give it your valued time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is considered to be a good GPA in the eyes of employers?
Even though this notion may differ from company to company, a high GPA is considered somewhere between 3.5 to 4.0. Employers advise including GPA, which is at least 3.0 since the range between 3.0 to 3.4 is considered average. A good GPA score indicates that you have been working hard and putting in the effort. It helps employers understand whether you can put the needed dedication into their company.
- Can you lie about your GPA in the resume?
No matter how low your GPA is, do not lie about it. It is okay not to mention it in the resume, but putting down a false one can significantly decrease your chances of getting hired. Instead of your GPA, you can fill in the education section of your resume with other achievements and qualifications. The hiring process in most companies requires a background check and double-check of all the information you have provided. Hence, it is not a good idea to lie.
- How much attention do companies pay to GPA?
While this varies from company to company, including a GPA, especially a high one, can increase your chances of getting hired. For example, if you are fresh out of school and have just completed your studies, your GPA is necessary. However, suppose you have already established your professional career and have enough experience. In that case, employers are not interested in knowing your GPA.
- Are there any circumstances when you should avoid mentioning your GPA in the resume?
As discussed earlier, avoid mentioning your GPA if it is low and even below average. First, you will only make a good impression if your GPA is deserving of it. Secondly, there is no need to unnecessarily include your GPA once you have enough experience and qualifications to fill in your education section of the resume.
- How likely am I to get a job with a low GPA score?
A resume is made up of a lot of other elements that employers primarily focus on. If your GPA is low, do not mention it unless you are specifically asked for it. The final decision of whether you will get the job does not solely depend on your GPA. Your interview process, other achievements, skill sets, and values matter more. Additionally, suppose you have a low GPA. In that case, it is advised for you to be prepared with a justification and discuss how you have improved in all these years.
- Are employers more interested in overall GPA or major GPA?
Employers mostly pay more attention to your overall GPA since they want to know how you were as a student. They are not much interested in your specific subjects but the hard work and effort you put into your education. Therefore, the best option is to mention both overall and significant GPAs for clarity and no confusion.
